davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Norwich bulletin., 1909-12-20

bel had hanged herself in a paroxysm of grief This theory was dispelled when a small box was found in the dining room. on the cover of which had been written these words: Fran ces hung herself at 1-2 Sat. Me too.''
 Gruesome Details Came to Light.
 This led to the belief that the two old women carried out a mutual agree ment to kill themselves, Frances hang ing herself first and her body being cut down by her sister. But further investigation brought to light much more grewsome details. Underneath her clothing and sticking in the breast of Frances was hatpin, buried in her body up to it's black head. The pin had been driven close to the heart to a depth of about four inches. Similar wounds but of not. such a, serious na- ture were found on the other body which leads to the belief that the sis ters may have quarreled and fought Whether Frances deliberately hanged her sister, then killed herself with the hatpin, or whether the sister found hanging stabbed the other, then ended her life, will perhaps never be known. The hands of the body on the floor were carefully crossed and the head rested on a sofa cushion.
 Possibility of Murder.
 There is possibility that both were murdered, but the house shows no traces of having been entered by strangers. The women had lived alone since the death of their mother more than fifteen years ago, with a large dog as their sole companion. Recently the dog died and since that time the women had been Respondent.
 Last Seen Alive on Saturday.
 The owner of the house which they occupied, having been unable to gain admittance since Tuesday last, noti- fled a policeman, why forced entrance today. The women were last seen alive on Saturday.
 Mysterious and Secluded Life.
 The sisters had lived quietly and alone for the past twenty years in the same house. Their source of income was as mysterious as their secluded life, but they kept their house in or der and paid their bills regularly. The elder woman, Frances, was 56 years old; the sister a few years her junior.
Norwich bulletin., 1909-12-20
CHRISTMAS CHEER FOR
 U. S. SOLDIERS AND SAILORS.
Elaborate Plans for Celebration at
 Government Expense.

Washington. Dec. 19.-Every soldier and sailor in the service of the United States will celebrate Christmas at the expense of the government. More elaborate plans are made by the army and navy for Christmas than for any other day of the year.
 This year the government will give the 17000 sailors of the Atlantic bat tleship fleet. which is a large percent age of those in the service, an un- usually fine spread at New York. Last year the fishes cheated the bluejackets out of the dinner intended for them. The navy department sent out aboard the liner Republic large quantity of Christmas dainties valued at $61, ,191 for the battleship fleet, then at Gibral- tar, on it's cruise around the world. The Republic sank after a collision and so did the bluejackets' Christmas dinners.
 A policy has been adopted in the navy of taking the bluejackets period ically to some big port where they may enjoy life to the full. The British navy officials claim to have discovered that after such periods of hilarity the sailors are more contented at sea. The Atlantic fleets crews will be started on their holidays by a big Christmas dinner, including oyster cocktails. roast turkey. cranberry sauce. pump kin pie ice cream, assorted fruits and nuts, coffee and cigars.
 In the army special dinners will be served at the various garrisons and posts
Norwich bulletin., 1909-12-20
Richard Parr's
 Claim Approved
BY COLLECTOR LOEB OF THE
 PORT OF NEW YORK.
IKFORMER IN SUGAR FRAUDS
May Receive Approximately One miI-
 lion Dollars for Originally Furnish
 ing Evidence Which Exposed Frauds

New York, Dec. 19.-William Loeb, Jr., collector of the port of New York, has approved the claim to moiety by Richard Parr the deputy collector and original informer in the sugar frauds. on the $2.135. 4S6 paid into the United States treasury by the American Sugar Refining company as restitution for due ties evaded by underweighing.
 What the Statutes Say.
 According to the statutes regulating such awards. Parr will receive mot ex- ceeding in amount one-half of the net proceeds" which will mean in this case, if the claim is approved by tho treasury department, approximately S1,000, 900.
 Claim Approved Only After Rigid In-
 vestigation.
 MT. Loeb approved the claim onlx after thorough investigation by Hars rison Osborne, solicitor of the customa He held that the claim was valid iI that Parr on November 30 1907. dis~ covered a steel spring which was usef by the company's checkers to infiuenc( the weight of draughts of sugar ad- versely. This laid bare the scheme tt defraud, and it was due to the evidencS obtained as the consequence of tho events of November 20 that the jury in the civil suit against the company last spring returned a verdict of guilty which was secured by the payment Of the penalty. $135,4s6, and the restitu- ton of $2.00O.000 afterwards.
 Mir. Loeb could not be seen tonight. It was stated at his house that he re- tired early and would not be disturbed.
 There is some conflict of statutes concerning payments of this character, but it is said that in any event Parf will receive 30 per cent. of the amount named, or approximately $700.000,
 MT. Parr Confirms tht Report.
 Parr was seen at his home tonight and confirmed the report that MT. Os- borne acted favorably on his claim and that Mir. Loeb ratified the decision. 4 do not know exactly how much I will receive" said Parr.
 Tn exceptional cases the government awards 50 per cent, but more usually 90 or 35. All the other claims were be- fore the solicitor. but the fact that mine was upheld speaks for itself"
Norwich bulletin., 1909-12-20
LAuDANUM VIAL THE
 ONLY POSSIBLE CLUE
To Identity of Young Woman Who At-
 tempted Suicide.

Norfolk, Va, Dec. 19. Having thus far successfully resisted every effort to ascertain her identity, the strange young woman who at Virginia Beach last week signed herself Ruth Morton, Chicago !" prior to attempting suicide. both by laudanum and shooting, still lies conscious at St. Vincent's hospital tonight, with the mystery surrounding her case as deep as ever.
 Though she has three .22 calibre pis- tol wounds in her head, the girl began to improve today, and tonight her phy sicians believe her recovery is quite likely. Today for the first time since she was secretly brought to the hospi- tai, last Thursday, she agreed to take food and for the first time she mani fested interest in her probable recov- cry. She had repeatedly declared that she wanted to die and have buried with her mans handkerchief and a bunch of withered violets which she brought with her to Virginia Beach.
 One of the strangest features of tbe case is that the police department, S.l- ter all the publicity given the case has het received a single inquiry concern ing the girl. In an effort to obtain some clue to her identity a woman was sent to her bedside today to question her. The girl was firm and the woman left without the desired information. Apparently the only possible clue to her identity is the laudanum vial which was found with the girl marked "Wil- low Drug Company, Somerville, Mass"
 She had destroyed everything by which she might be identified, eXen having cut from her hat the name of the place where it was bought. T came to Virginia Beach to die because of the remoteness of the place." wrote the girl in the note she left, which also told of s25 she had with her to be used for her burial.
 Boston, Dec. 19.-An examination of the poison record kept at the store of the Willow Drug company in Somer- vile has failed to show a sale of poison to anyone named Morton during the past year. The Somerville police, al- though interested in the mystery, have been unable to suggest any clue to the young. woman's identity.
Norwich bulletin., 1909-12-20
Offer of Guard of Soldiers for Protection of the
 American Consulate Declined
ARRIVAL OF JOSE MADRIz AT CAPITAL
Great Demonstration Rendered the Candidate for the Presidency to Succeed Zslaya-For Moment on Sunday the Situation Critical but Shots were Fred-"Long Live the Saviour of Nicaragua"

this morning at Corinto aboard the steamer. Acapulco from Punta Arenas. Costa Rica- He was received by com- missions representing congress, the supreme court and the municipalities of Leon, .Managua, Chinandega and Masaya. A salute of 101 guns was fired in his honor. Soldiers lined the pier at attention and enthuiasm mark ed the greeting of the crowds along the waterfron. Dr. Madriz, though seemingly well pleased at his well come, made no speech. Soon after he landed he said in an interview:
 q shall accept the honor which has been offered me. I am not the can- didate of Leon but of the entire re- public. My chief concern will be to appease the ancient sectionalism which has divided certain localities" Wild Demonstration of Friendiness.
 pr. Madriz declined to comment up- on Zelayas administration. nor would he discuss the question of intervention by the United States, but he expressed the hope that an amicable settlement would be reached, for he had trust in the high sense and justice of the Ann erican people.
 The candidate was met at Gilman dega and Leon by almost as great crowds as had gathered at Corinto, and they shouted Long live the saviour oa Nicaragua!" The people of Leon were wild in their demonstration of friendliness. Flowers were showered upon Madriz as though he were hero returning from the wars. Cannons were fired and skyrockets shot into the air, despite the daylight. The band played the Marseillaise, while many joined in the singing of the anthem, Conspicuous in the decorations was two American flags.
 The Situation Is Tense.
 In Managua the situation is tense. Zelaya has offered the American con sul a guard of soldiers for the consult ate, but his offer has been declined
Norwich bulletin., 1909-12-20
LIVED IN THREE CENTURIES.
Woman Who Dies Aged 115 Was Once
 Honored by Czar.

Philadelphia, Dec. 19.z-Born in the eighteenth century in the province of Kiev, Russia, Mrs. Brayne Makedensky died at the Jewish Sheltering Home on Friday night, aged 115 years. Mrs. Makendensky had nineteen children, several of whom are still living, and leaves about one hundred and fifty de- scendnats.
 The oldest grandchild is 70. He is Abraham Makendensky of New York. Mrs. Makendensky often spoke of an honor bestowed upon her by Czar Nicholas I of Russia, who gave her a souvenir nearly seventy-five years ago, when her parents kept an inn. The czar stopped at the inn for few hours one day, and was so pleased with his treatment that he gave Mrs. Makeden- sky medal. Mrs. MakedenslSy and her family came to America twenty years ago.
Norwich bulletin., 1909-12-20
MRS. o. H. p. BELMONT
 IN NEW YORK NIGHT COURT
Offers Her Mansion as Security for
 DisorderIy Women Strikers.

New York, Dec.l 19.-Mrs. O. H. P. Belmont demonstrated in the small and early hours of today that she has the interests of her sex of the work ing class at heart and Is willing to give not only of her time but of her fortune to assist them.
 Three o'clock this morning found her in the night court awaiting the disposition of the cases of four wo- men shirtwalst workers. charged with disorderly conduct in connection with the strike. Several lawyers have been retained by Mrs. Belmont to defend the strikers, but with the approach of morning they had disappeared. and when the girls were called to the bar no one was present to appear for them.
 Mrs. Belmont here stepped into the gap and offered bail for the girls. ten- dering her home in Madison avenue as security.
 'Is your house worth ssOO,'" inquired Magistrate Butts in routine manner and tone.
 q think it is," replied Mrs. Bell mont Tt is valued at s400.0 GOO. but I think there may be a mortgage upon it for $100,000 which raised to help the shirtwaist strikers and the wo- man suffrage movement"
 The security was accepted.
Norwich bulletin., 1909-12-20
THREE ECCENTRIC SISTERS
 WILL BE INDICTED TUESDAY.
All Charged With Murder of ooey
 Snead, Bathtub Victim.


 New York, Dec. 19-The three eccen- trie sisters-AIiss Virginia Wardlaw, Mrs Mary Snead and Mrs. Caroline w Martin-all charged with the mur- der of Ocey Snead, whose emac1ated body was found in a bathtub at East Orange. N. J., will be indicted by the Essex county (N. J) grand jury on Tuesday next, according to the pro- gramme mappe dout by the county au- thorities. Immediately thereafter ap- plication for the extradition of Mrs. Snead and Mrs Martin, now held in the Tombs, will be made. It is be- lieved that the two sisters in New York, on the advice of counsel, will consent to go to New Jersey for trial without legal resistance. Miss Ward law maintained the family's almost morbid desire for seclusion today when she requested that the bars of her cell be plastered with newspapers so that the other prisoners might not look at her. But because of the precedent that the granting of such a request would create, her plea was unheard. Mrs. Martin and Mrs. Snead, In separate cells, spent a quiet day at the Tombs.
 They are to be arraigned in a police court tomorrow for continuation or the preliminary hearing which was be- gun on Saturday. at which Mrs. Mar llu mdue ScehS py iiel sSiS SoAhS anu sobs.
 Prosecutor Mott of Esex county, New Jersey, says that he has positive evil dence that both Mrs Snead and Mrs. Martin were instrumental in engaging the East Orange house in which Oeey Snead died Charles Kirk, an Il year old messenger boy, will testify that he carried Mrs. Martins suit case in East Orange on Nov. 1T, while the prose- ha 6ae adA oryidort6Q that Mrs. Martin was in the house af- ter Ocey Snead met death and before Miss Wardlaw so tardily notified the police.
Norwich bulletin., 1909-12-20

Malagua, Nicaragua, Dec. 19.-Jose Madriz, judge of the Central American court of justice at Carriage, who has been put forward as candidate for the presidency to succeed Zelaya, receiv- ed an enthusiastic reception on his arrival here today. Long before he reached the capital he was the object delegations from various departments and acclaimed all along the way from Corinto to Managua.
 Hostile Cries in Front of Park.
 At this place the crowds awaiting the appearance of the candidate were extraordinary. Troops and police were out in force for the protection of Ma driz. who proceeded on foot to hotel through an almost inextricable mass of people, the soldiers and detectives breaking a way for him through the solid ranks, pushing and throwing aside the frantic populace.
 In front of the park there were hos tile cries against the attempt by the soldiers to clear the street, and im- mediately fifty civilians, all of them residents of Leon, which is the home of lIadriz and the stronghold of the liberals who favor his candidacy, whipped out revolvers, brandishing them in the air. They. formed a com pact mass around him, acting as his bodyguard and escorting his to his quarters
 "viva LeonI To He'll with Managua!"
 For a moment the situation was critical. There were shouts of Viva Leon! To hell with Managuap No shots were fired, however. and the procession went on it's way. The presidential candidates face was flushed and wore a look Of anxiety. He was accompanied to the hotel by the Mexican minister and from that place the crowds were shut out
 Arrival of pr. Madriz.
 pr. Madriz arrived at nine o'clock
Norwich bulletin., 1909-12-20
RepvbIiears Follow Democratic Doc
 trines, Says Bryan.

Chattanooga, Tenn, Dec. 1s.-Wn- liam J. Bryan was the guest of honor at a banquet given by the democrats of this city last night. Mir. Bryan said in his address: For the last thirteen years the democratic party has actual ly dominated the public affairs of thIs country and molded the public affairs. The republican party has done nothing good that was not outlined in the dem ocratic platforms. The republican to- day has but one way of becoming popular. and that is by initiating the democrats"
Norwich bulletin., 1909-12-20
Father of Kidnapped Girl Runs Down
 False Clue.

Louisville, Ky. Dec. 19.-Just as her parents were about to conclude that Alma KelIner, who was kidnapped from Louisville several days ago, was dead, hope revived temporarily today, when it was reported by the Washington, Ind, police that a girl in the custody of band of gypsies might be the miss ing child. Fred r. Kellner. the father. went to- see the girl at Washington and displayed emotion openly for the first time when he found she was not his. No further clues are in the hands of the police.
Norwich bulletin., 1909-12-20

friend in Christiansand. Norway, with in easy call of Copenhagen. It is thought that Dr. Cook left this coun- try on the steamship United States, which sailed on Thanksgiving day. Walter Lonsdale, the explorers sec retary. is known to have sailed on the vessel.
 Not a Passenger on the Saxonia.
 Naples, Dec. 19.-The rumor spread here today that Dr. Cook was aboard the steamer Saxonia, and a large num- Der of people rushed to the dock to greet him. The captain of the Saxonia said that he had been notified that Dr. Cook intended to cross on his steamer, but was detained and asked the company to transfer his ticket to the Carmania
Norwich bulletin., 1909-12-20
IN CONGRESS THIS WEEK.
Both Houses Adjourn Tomorrow for
 Two Weeks Holiday.


 Washington, Dec 19.-with probably fewer than a quorum of members of either house in the city, all legislation in congress during the next two days will be by common consent. The house will undertake nothing more than ths passage of some bills of minor i'm portance and the completion of it's work on the District of Columbia ap- propriation bill, which already has been under consideration two or three days.
 It has been hoped that the army supply bill might be taken up and dis posed of before adjournment, but that programme has been abandoned in the face of the departure of SO many members. It is expected that very lit- tie time will be necessary for the dis- posal of the district bill and with it out of the way the house will simply tread water until the adjournment for the holidays.
 The senate will undertake very little except the confirmation of Hon. Horace H. Lurton to be an associate justice of the supreme court of the United States. The nomination will be report ed favorably to the senate on Monday and an effort will be made to have it acted upon The present indications are that NJ. Lurton's confirmation will take place before the beginning of the holidays, thus enabling him to take his seat on the supreme court bench upon the reconvening of that body after the holidays.
 Both houses will adjourn Tuesday for two weeks. the time for reconven- ton being fixed for Tuesday, Jan. 4-
Norwich bulletin., 1909-12-20
CIGAR IGNITED HIS BATHRoBE. Former Collector of the Port of Phila-
 delphia Burned to Death.

Media, Pa, Dec. 1q.-Thomas V. Cooper, a member of the legislature from Delaware county and former col lector of the port of Philadelphia, was burned to death at his home here to- day. While smoking a cigar in the sitting room of his home he fell asleep or more probably suffered a paralytic stroke. His bathrobe became ignited and he was dead before the flames were discovered by his family.
 The legislator was a sufferer from insomnia and early this morning he got a cigar. Shortly afterwards his daughter -in-law smelled smoke and awakened her husband. MT. Cooper's body was found on a blazing couch in the sitting room. badly charred. As no outcry was heard, his family believe he suffered a stroke of paralysis. He was "A years old
Norwich bulletin., 1909-12-20
STRUCK A'cURvE
 AT roo HIGH A SPEED. Rock Island Train Wrecked in Arizona Tourist Cars Toppled Over.

Tucson. Arizona. Dec. 19.-Engineer Tom Walker and Fireman P. w. Bauer, both of Tucson, were killed, ten per sons, mostly trainmen, were seriously injured and thirteen others were cut and bruised today when an east bound Rock Island train operated over the Southern Pacific tracks was wrecked east of Benson, Arizona. The injured persons were brought to St. Mery's hospital at Tucson. Among them is Mrs. L. A. Bellows, Boston. Southern Pacific officials say that the train struck a curve at too high speed.
 The locomotive, the baggage car, the mail car and two tourist cars toppled from the rails. and the locomotive and the mail car rolled forty feet down a bank into a culvert.
 The other derailed cars turned over did not go into the ditch.
 The standard sleeping cars and an observation car remained on the track, their momentum carrying them five hundred feet beyond the wreckage.
 The injured were nearly all in the tourist cars and in the mail car.
Norwich bulletin., 1909-12-20
DEMAND UNION RECOGNITION
Members of Philadelphia Ladies, Gar
 ment Makers Union to Strike.

Philadelphia. Dec 19.-Demanding recognition of their union, d nine hour day, a fifty-hour week and uni- form prices. which means an increase of twenty per cent in their wages, the 5000 members of the Ladies' Garment Makers union of this city tonight unanimously voted in favor of a strike to be begun tomorrow. They expect to be joined by 5000 non-union workers. Almost all of the union, which is affil- lated with the American Federation of Labor, are women Three large meet ings in different sections of the city were held tonight in place of one meet ing planned for in one of the theaters of the city, which was forbidden by the police
Norwich bulletin., 1909-12-20
USED KEROSENE IN roy STOVE. Six Year Old Girl Burned to Death
 Father and Mother Injured.

East St. Louis. H.. Dec 19.-A toy stove, which her father gave her to- day. instead of waiting until Christ mas resulted in the death of Minnie Coming, six years old, the probably fatal burning of the girls mother and the injury of her father.
 The child tried to build a fire in the stove by pouring In kerosene, as she had often seen her mother do in a real stove. The child's clothes were enveloped in flames as soon as a match was applied, and she died with in two hours. The mother, in trying to extinguish the blaze, was burned SC severely that the physicians despair of her recovery The husband was burned about the hands and face res csuing his wife
Norwich bulletin., 1909-12-20
LEGAL TANeLE DEVELOPS
In Affairs of Herring curtiss Go.
 AeropIane Manufacturers.

Hammondsport, N. Y, Dec. 19.-The affairs of the Herring Curtiss com pany, manufacturers of aeroplanes. are in a legal tangle. After a meeting of the board of directors of the company on Saturday, proceedings were begun in the state supreme court to compel Augustus Herring of New York, vice president of the concern to turn over to the company patents and other property which it is alleged he should have transferred to the company in consideration of stock issued to him. An injunction was obtained to prevent MT. Herring from disposing of this stock. Herring left Hammondsport after the meeting without reaching any agreement with the board of di- rectors.
 The company is capitalized at $360,- 900. Glen H. Curtiss is general man. ager,
Norwich bulletin., 1909-12-20
Two Converts Baptized in Icy Waters
 of the Hudson.

Poughkeepsie. N. T.. Dec. 19.-Charles Walker of Kingston, Jamaica, who says he is an elder and has established a new religious sect among the colored people in this city, baptized two con verts today in the icy waters of the Hudson. The converts attired them selves in loose robes and stood on the wharf slrvering for half an hour after the ceremony. A short time ago "El- der" Walker maptized in the Hudson Mrs. Pleasant Greene, who became vio- lently insane and who is now in the Hudson River State hospital.
Norwich bulletin., 1909-12-20
President Taft Returned to Washington

|, Washington, Dec. 19. = President Taft, accompanied by his son Charlie, returned today from Watertown, Conn.,, where yesterday he attended the flu neral of his sister-in-law, Mrs. Horace D. Taft. The train to which the presi- dents car was attached was more than an hour behind it's schedule, getting him to Washington too late to go to church.
 The president went direct from the union station to the White House in one of the executive automobiles.