davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1909-02-03
UNCLE SAM DEMANDS
DUTY ON STEEL CASKS
Containers for Creosote Worth
More Than Liquid

Whether steel casks in which creo-
sote is imported from England and
which John D. Rockefeller purchases
can be made in this country shall enter
duty free was the point al issue yes
terday before the court of general ap-
praisers in the custom house. over
which Judge 3. S. Waite of New York
Harper, representing the Standard oil
company. George j. Bennington OF the
Union oil company and H. r. Rood,
president of the Pacific coast creosote
company, occupied the witness stand.
Creosote. one of the byproducts of
fornia for preserving redwood, enters
the United States duty free. 1t is
carried from England in steel casks.
These casks, when emptied, are being
sold to the Standard oil company at a
generous profit The code provides
able commodity is not unusual in its
nature 1t too shall be entered duty
free. 1t is found by the government
that these creoSote drums are worth
more than the oil. and as the drums
are being used for other purposes than
the bona hde transportation of the
oil they are dutiable.
The steel drums can not be produced
in the United States at twice the cost
of construction in England. The
chasing the empty tanks for their use.
paying the creosote people as high as
$4,000. which is the sum now under
consideration.
A ruling will not be handed down
in the case until Judge Waite returns
to New York. Other minor adjust
ments in duty matters will be heard
before the court adjourns.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1909-02-03
LOCAL PACKING HOUSE
RIVALS EASTERN PLANTS
Western Meat Co.'S Shipments
Big Factor in City's Commerce

In Chicago and other eastern cities
the great meat packing plants are
among the popular show places and are
eagerly sought by all visitors. But
there is not city in the east with an
establishment any better than the
Western meat company's San Francisco
plant which is famous for the scrupu-
lous cleanliness and strictly sanitary
methods employed, as well as for its
delicious products.
1t is an Interesting fact that long
before the law required government
inspection all meats were vigorously
inspected and passed upon scientifically
at the Western meat companys plant:
so when the pure food law was enacted
it caused no change in this companys
premises or methods.
The popular Primrose Brand" of
meat products is put up by the West
ern meat company from California fed
cattle and hogs after the most ap-
proved methods. After seeing the
wholesome and sanitary workrooms
and the clearly appearance of the
workers the visitor goes away with
an appetizing remembrance of "Prim-
rose" products.
Railroad statistics show that the
Western meat company is the greatest
shipper of freight on the entire Pacific
coast-a fact which speaks volumes
for the Ivholesomeness and popularity
of it's products.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1909-02-03
ASK FOR SERVICES
OF CHILD SFERFSS
Hundreds of Letters for Bess
Conner Want Her to Peep
Into Future

Every query ranging from Quo
Vadis" to who hit Billy Patterson
has been and is being asked little Bess
Conner, the 10 year old psychic marvel,
whose wonderful occult powers are
startling the scientific world. The post
man who takes mail ito 4171 Seven
teenth street has been heard to curse
the day he was born, for hundreds of
letters have poured into the Conner
home
Papa Conner has muff1ed the door bell,
and any one applying at the house
these days is regarded by the Conner
family with suspicion and disfavor.
Those who call in person are easily
turned away. but the mail brings
queries that must be allowed to enter,
and little Bess has spent some happy
hours opening the epistles sent from
every part of the Pacific coast to her
own self. and reading the strange re-
quests made of her.
Mothers are seeking news of sons.
wives of husbands, husbands of wives
some want to know if they ever will
marry; others if they ever will get a
divorce; tips on the races, the where
abouts of stolen articles, the futures of
businessmen, the pasts of widows and
widowers; the hopes of happiness and
the FEAR or diSaster-fn formation on all
these matters is asked and asked Sc
riously of this small girl
TIL answer the ones that incIosed
stamps some day." Bess said last night.
and tell them that I don't want to
start In anything like that for awhile.
anyway. or course, I'd never be a
regular fortune teller"
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1909-02-03
BOGUS CHILD SWINDLE
CASE Is AGAIN AIRED
Strange Story of How Thrifty
German Couple Won Money

The story OF the thrifty German
couple who by inventing a bogus heir
OF the late Pauline D. Gerber succeed
ed in defrauding the real heirs of the
interest on $4,000 for 20 years was re-
told in Judge Van Nostrand's court
yesterday. Mrs. Gerber died in June
1857. In her lifetime she stated that
she was so greatly devoted to the mem
CRY Of her first husband. Samuel Marks,
that II any relative would name a child
after him she would will a large part
OF her fortune TO that child. NJ Con
sorOwsk and his wife. Amelia Con
sorowski. distant relatives. who lived
in Prussia, falsely represented that
they had named a son Samuel in mem
DRY OF the lamented Samuel Marks, and
Mrs Gerber inserted 2 provision in her
viii placing $4,000 in trust with Morris
Levy, the interest to go to the child
during its minority and the principal to
be paid him on attaining the age of 81
IN 1907 Levy visited Germany and
asked TO see the young man to whom
he had been sending money for so
many years. He then discovered there
was no such a person and that the
Gonsorowskis had been getting the in
come.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1909-02-03
NAMES ON PETITION
FORGED, is CHARGED
Property Owners Fight Permit
to Lay Sidewalks

Property owners in Twelfth avenue.
Richmond district. are up in arms over
the action taken by the board of works
concerning a contracting permit grant
ed 10 the firm of Flynn & Treacy to
lay sidewalks in Twelfth avenue. Fiji
teen property owners appeared before
the board Monday afternoon and pro-
tested against the granting Of the per-
nit, basing their objection upon the
fact that I'VE years ago the board of
works rescinded a similar permit to
the same firm because ii had been al
legged that two signatures TO a petition
secured by the contractors were forged.
According to i. L Cuneo, 239 Twelfth
avenue, the company was declared
guilty of having forged the signatures
Of John H. Gray, ESQ Twelfth avenue,
and Mrs. r. Z. T. Wall, 230 Twelfth
avenue, and upon this finding the per-
nit was rescinded
Cuneo says that on October 81 of
last year a permit was granted the
company 10 lay sidewalks IN Twelfth
avenue between California and Gle
lnent streets, but it has since been
found that this permit was secured
upon the same petition in which, il
was alleged, the signatures were
Chairman Day of the board of
works told US that the only redress
We could hope to get would be through
the courts" said Cuneo.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1909-02-03
WOMAN WANTSCASH
But not HUSBAND
Property Owner Resents Wife's
Refusal to Live With Him
and Asks Divorce
Forcing Man to Wash Dishes
and Make Beds Is Not Cruelty,
Says Sturtevant

Yesterday was the seventy first birth
day of James Thompson, patriarchal
looking old man with long white
beard flowing over his breast, and he
spent the greater part of the afternoon
tesHfying in Judge SeawelFs court in
his suit for divorce from Addie Thomp-
son, who apparently is not much more
imam half his age.
Some years ago Mrs. Thompson Sc
cured an order for the payment to her
OF 500 month separate maintenance,
which she has received ever since, and
she Is resisting her husbands suit for
divorce
Thompson is a fairly wealthy prop
In Liberty street, Cough street and
Octavia street, this city. and in San
Bernardino county
They were married here in April,
l9O2, few months after Thompson met
the defendant in hotel. He testified
yesterday that for more than a year
after their marriage she would not live
with him, but insisted upon staying
with her aged mother and with her
daughters by former marriage.
DISCRETION IS CHARGED
During this time Thompson was pay
ing his wife d monthly allowance.
f1naIly in September, 1903, he told her
she must either live with him or he
would stop the allowance. The threat
brought her to him, he testified, and
ne built home in Liberty street, in
which they lived until August, 1906
In that month Thompson said, he
decided to go to Santa Barbara to live,
but his wife refused to accompany him.
the trial will be resumed today.
HE Baked AT BED MAKING
1t is not cruelty for a wife to compel
her husband to make beds and wash
dishes, Judge Sturtevant decided yes
terday in the suit of Benham NJ Eisner
Tor divorce from Susan F. Eisner Els
ner strengthened his testimony by stat
ing that his wife had threatened to cut
out his heart with big butcher knife
and to blow off his head with a pistol
He was then granted a divorce.
Other divorces granted yesterday
were:
BY Judge Cabaniss-Itha Cunning
nam from r. S. Cunningham, cruelty;
Anna K. Mcpherson from Herbert s..
Mcpherson, cruelty. BY Judge Van
Nostrand-Fannie Shweitzer from J.
Shweitzer, cruelty BY Judge Sturtevant
Theresa c. Little from G. T. Little,
desertion. By Judge Graham-Augus-
tus Bonnac from Anna Bonnac, deser-
ton.
Suits for divorce were filed by Alice
Kelley against Edward E. Kelley, ha-
bitual intemperance, and Ethel Volkel
against Christopher Volkel, cruelty
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1909-02-03
WILL SUE TO CONDEMN
SITE OF POSTOFFICE
100000 Building to Be Erected
in Alameda

Condemnation suit for a postofice
site in Alameda will be filed today in
the United States circuit court by
United States Attorney Robert r. Dew
lin. The property, which is 140 feet
square and located at Santa Clara ave-
nue. and Oak street, belongs to the heirs
OF treeborn ). Fletter. These are Au-
gusta f. Fletter, Charles F. Fletter
trustees of the. estate: Oliver Watson
Fietter and Wallace Troll Fletter All
Of the heirs are mentioned as defend
ants in the suit.
In May of last year congress passed
a bill designating certain cities where
postoffices should be constructed An
appropriation was also made at that
time to cover the cost of building and
the acquiring of the postoffice sites. OF
this amount 100000 was apportioned
to Alameda. The cost of the new post
office and the land must be within this
amount and it in accordance with
IS act of congress that the suit will
be commenced, the government and
.ners of the property, which carries
improvements, failing to agree on a
Jrlce.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1909-02-03
POLICEMAN ACCUSED
BY WOMAN OF ATTACK
PatroIman A. j. Doyle Charged
With FeIonious Assault

Patrolman A. J. Doyle was yesterday
charged with felonious assault on COM
plant of Mrs. Ruby Noreiga, 1877
O'Farrel street. The charge was pre-
ferred by Captain Kelly of the Park
district with the secretary of the po-
lice commission.
1t is alleged in the complaint that
on the morning watch of January %
Doyle went to the woman's room and
attacked her. The woman complained
to Chief Cook. An investigation re-
suited in the charge being filed yes
terday. Mrs. Noreiga may also pro-
coed criminally against Doyle.
Doyle became a member of the force
on September 81. 1905. He is a mar
ried man and lives with his wife and
children at is Latona street.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1909-02-03
HEMPL'STHEORY
FOR ETRUSCAN
ORIGINDOUBT[D
DR.. w. A. Merrill Believes the
Translator of Inscriptions
Is on Wrong Track
Sayant Declares Language Not
Related to Latin as
Asserted

DR. W A. Merrill. head OF the depart
ment OF Latin in the University OF CAL
ifornia, believes that Dr. George Hempl
of stanford university. translator of
Etruscean inscriptions. is on the wrong
track. Dr. Merrill voiced his opinion
before a large and learned audience of
university savants. thsologians and
scholars at an -Etruscan evening" with
the members of the Unitarian Club Of
California at the Fairmont hotel last
night.
Professor HempL by use of many
carefully prepared charts. expounded
his recent discovery. which it has been
said would revolutionize the entire an
Gent history Of Italy. He explained
that by much study and research he
had come TO the conclusion that the
Etruscan language is a member of that
family OF languages CLASSIFIED among
linguists as Italic or Latin languages.
and by infinitely described translations
he endeavored 10 show how in many re-
spects the language resembled tie Ital-
ian language That his conclusions
were well supported by his inVesuiga-
lions he die not doubt
But DR.. Merrill poured upon DR..
Hemprs ideas copious shower Of cold
water Merrill declared that the ma
5oritv Of scholars do not believe the
Etruscan tongue TO be related to Italic-
lie further declared that more than one
thoughtful and constant scholar had in
the past attempted TO classify the
Euuscan language, but after working
Years over ancient specimens had sue
cumbed TO a badly emaciated, almost
worthless brain. He did not, however,
prophesy a similar fate for DR.. Hempl.
This Eruscan language, according
10 the accepted belief among scholars
OF the world. is absolutely strange to
all other language and in nowise re-
lated to the Italic or Latin language"
said Merrill and furthermore. no one
can tell whether this recent discovery
Is a scientific truth or not. If it is
proved TO be true I will be among the
first TO shower congratulations upon
Dr. Hempl"
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1909-02-03
STUDENTS CONDUCT
ELECTION CAMPAIGN
High School Pupils Make Stump
Speeches for Votes

With all the enthusiasm of grown I'D
politicians the pupils at the Polytechnic
high school at Frederick street and
First avenue held their election of
school officers Monday. For two
weeks preceding the election the
friends of the several candidates lis
tened to speeches by the Office seekers
and their friends and supporters. Yes
terday's election was held under the
Australian ballot system and the bows
and girls showed much cleverness in
handling the ballots and in conducting
the count.
Miss Grace Munroe did not make any
speeches to the boys, but she captured
many votes when her girl friends pa
raded the school grounds during the
last two weeks with a unique banner.
A large clock was drawn on the banner
and Miss Munroes name was used for
the numerals Across the face of the
advertising clock Miss Munroe was
labeled as THE Girl of the Hour" Miss
Munroe was elected vice president.
George Frates, who won the office of
president, and l.. Roncovieri, Frank
Spencer and Ray Ehat were others who
proved themselves vote winners by
their addresses to the students. The
opponents of Ray Ehat made fatal
ers as public speaker Ehat was ac-
cused of having too loud voice, but
the young man used the criticism of his
opponents as an excellent reason as to
why he should be chosen to the Office
of yell leader. Ehat received 153 votes
more than his two opponents.
The result of the election was as fol-
lows:
For president-George Frates 90; c. Mefhnger
73. For vice presdent--Sliss Grace Munroe. ga
Miss NJ Robinson. 50. For secretary-Frank
Spencer. 1923; o. Johns %. and John Quimby
10. For treasurer-B Booker SO: V. Mekerin
10. For sergeant at arms-E. Hays, ITO; w
TrounselI, SO. For yell leader-Ray Ehat. 1853:
II. Iutge. 81 G. Smith. 3 For manager of boys
baseball team-Roy Bradford, 81; Robert Esola
46: Ray Gunton, 40: Jerry Lesser 2S. For
manager of boys basket ball team-B. Booker
1872 A. Halberg. 81, For manager of girls
basket ball team-Miss Mabel Robinson, 1877:
Miss a. Luderman, -. For manager of boys
swimming team. Roncovieri, 100; A. Hall
berg, 80; N. Revario, il. For track manager
NJ Adair, 119; William Schwan. A. For man
ager of tennis team-E. Frates, 106; A Belcher
81; a. Smith, 26. For captain Of the debating
team-E. Frates, 104; Chester Ross, 49, H. PEN
covic, IS.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1909-02-03
POLICE AND
FIRE PROTECTION URGED
West End Betterment Club
Plans Active Campaign

AT a complimentary social smoker
given bv the members Of the West End
Betterment club. in their quarters. 1900
HAYES street last night. the work OF
the organization for 1908 was discussed
and a report of the executive commit
tee read.
The report. in concluding. stated that
during this year a campaign would be
waged for better police and IRE pro-
lection and additional mail facilities IN
the western portion Of the city
The executive committee consists OK
the following:
William Kern chairman; II. T. Brown, secre-
tary: Max GumDel. b. F. Halves. John Baruanns
H. p Petersen and Winfield s. Williams.
The officers of the club are:
Oscar A. Tolle. president; c. Zwierlien. nrse
vice president: John Bardahn. second vice presi-
dent: Walter r. Fischer. secretary; H. Hackfeid,
treasurer; p Albuch. sergeant at arms
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1909-02-03
ARMY REVOLVER CARRIED
BY YOUTHFUL BURGLAR
Police Capture Robber of Saloon
Drawer After Pistol Duel

John Wilson, the youth who was ar
rested by Policemen ]. L. Farrell and
p. Collins after an exchange of re-
volver shots while he was rihing the
cash register in the saloon OF Peter
Svenson, Harrison and Harriet streets.
early in the morning, was arrai9ned
yesterday and the case continued til
February g.
Wilson says he IS Is years of age
and comes from Peoria, Ill He was
arrested here about two weeks ago on
a charge Of vagrancy, but the case
was dismissed An army revolver
rested and Lieutenant Hennessev came
from the Preside to find out how
Wilson came into possession Of the
weapon
Wilson said he got 1t from a man
who had been released from the county
Jail. but ii is not believed he was
telling the truth.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1909-02-03
SERVIAN PATRON SAINT
HONORED AT BENEFIT
DIR. Jovan Subotich's Play Pro-
duced by Club Members

THE Battle of Kossovo,' a five act
historical drama, was presented last
night by the dramatic section of the
Servian club at Golden Gate comman-
derry hall in honor of the Servian pa
triot, Saint Sava, and was followed by
an entertainment by the choral section
of the club. Dancing concluded the
evenings entertainment.
The Battle of Kossovo" was written
by DIR. Joyan Subotich in commemora-
ton of the fight for Servian indepen-
dence with the invading Turks in 1887
The first and second acts are laid In
Gar Lazar's palace at Krushevac the
third on the battle field of Kossovo.
the fourth and fifth In the Turkish
camp.
A large sum was raised, for the bene-
fit of the Servian national fund
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1909-02-03

THE State Central OrganIzation Orsanized y
l9O2-An association for the commercial az
industrial Development Of California;
PROMOTION: The act OF promotion, advance
meut encouragement. Century Dictionary
The committee has for its object the PRO-
NOTING, OF California's interests. It has moth
inq to sell 1t fosters all things tending to the
ADVANCEMENT OF California. IL Is an sutner-
inv on ALI matters relating TO California. II EN-
COURAGES the establishment OF new industries
and fosters those already established. 10 invites
funities and needs OF all fields OF business and
orofessionai activity. II Is supported By popular
srhserfDtfou and makes no charge Tor any serv
10 rendered II has affiliated with IL 200 COM
n,erciaI organizations OF the state. with com
bined membership Of mere than S0.O0O- Meetings
- rerresentatfve= OF these organizations are
held serniannually In different parts OF the state.
where matters OF California interest are dis
e,lssed Headquarters OF the committee are
maiDfained IN California building. Union square.
San Francisco. CORRESPONDENCE INVITED.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1909-02-03
An instant Hit

sam Langford, who meets Jack John
son in London, Eng, on Derby day.
states that he would like TO meet
ketchel Langford is meeting all COM
ers.. regardless of weight, this week at
the Victory theater on Suffer street
near Fillmore. His big colored sing
ing stock company of 40 people in
a Trip TO Africa" are making big
hit at this theater Matinee every day
at 2.3O o'clock; night, Sis o'clock.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1909-02-03
Two young "kirmess" women.

The social tree has contributed to the
'Kirmess' its fairest buds.
The sterner sex is also well repre-
scented. as many of the dances are
mixed and include mixed quartets, al
ternating choruses and many of the
other features of the professional
stage. Some of the best voices in the
city will be heard in the "Kirmess."
Toddling teddy bears" demure dolls
and whooping Indians will offer a pref
ty contrast Children will portray the
dolls and teddy bears.
Season boxes can be bought now from
any member of the ticket committee, OF
which Mrs Bertha Lilienthal, 1907
Cough street, is chairman. General
season tickets will be placed on sale
Tuesday February 9, and tickets for
single evenings will be sold from Feb
ruary IL on.
These arrangements were ordered at
a meeting OF the joint committee in
charge of the "Kirmess" yesterday.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1909-02-03

man and a woman may make any con-
tract and dissolve it, but they can not
dissolve the marriage contract indie
pendently. In the latter case there are
three parties involved-the man, the
woman and the state"
Judge Ross asked of Devlin if the
railroad did not take the position that
the rate was $3.50 a ton instead of $40
per carload and If, under that under
standing, the overcharge might not be
allowed
Devlin replied that it could not be.
He explained that the relations between
a railroad and a shipper were not those
between a merchant and a wholesale
purchaser, but that under the law the
published rate must be adhered to. He
insisted that the point at issue was
whether or not the road had deviated
from the rate of $40 per carload, and
that 1t was not necessary for the gov
eminent to prove the motive of the
road nor the fact that other shippers
might be injured by discrimination.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1909-02-03
no HOLD CONVENTION

The national association of Station
airy Engineers of America will hold its
seventh annual convention in this city
next June. The national officers have
been designated to make the neces-
sary arrangements for that event and
directed to spare no expense to make
1T the most notable the association has
ever arranged for.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1909-02-03
ISSUE ATTRACTIVE EDITION

Contra Costa county's resources and
possibilities are presented in convinc-
ing and attractive way In the Western
Contra Costa number of the Richmond
Daily Leader, out yesterday. The
issue consists of "a pages of interest
ing material, and is contained in a
striking colored cover. Especial at
tention is devoted to the advantages of
Richmond itself, but the neighboring
territory comes in for share of praise
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1909-02-03
Social Tree Gives Fdirest
Buds for Big "KirTness"
Maids, Men, Mdbons
and Tots Practice for
Quaint Dances

With financial success asstred al
most before the project was launched,
perfection in the dances is the aim of
those who are guiding the "Kirmess"
from its infancy in the Norman room
of the Fairmont hotel to its debut
February IL at the Central theater.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1909-02-03

Direct to Washington, D. c., in one
car. Excursions three times a week
Write or call S74 Market street. Wash
ington- Sunset Route. San Francisco.
Phil K Gordon, Agent