davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-12
MAI. WELLFORD DIES.
Noted Confederate Veteran Sue
cumbs to Heart Failure.

Special Dispatch TO The Star.
RICHMOND, Va, December 11.-Maj.
Philip Alexander Wexford. treasurer Of
the Westmoreland Club, civil engineer and
Confederate veteran, died in his home
here today.
Maj. Wexford last evening attended the
weekly campfire of Lee Camp, and was
unusually active and affable. His death
was due to heart failure.
No man in Virginia was better known
than Maj. Wexford. He was seventy six
years DID, a native of Fredericksburg,
and a member of one of the oldest fam
lilies in the Old Dominion. During the
civil war he served as a member Of the
21st Regiment under Gen. William
B. Taliaferrc. BY profession he was
a civil engineer and built much Of the
present system of the Southern road.
Maj Wexford is survived by three
brothers, Judge Beverley r. Wexford,
Rev. John S. Wexford and Charles e.
Wexford, secretary of the Chesapeake
and Ohio Railway Company.
The funeral will take place Monday
and burial will be in Hollywood. He was
one of the founders of the Westmoreland
Club, and for twenty five years had been
it's treasurer Because of his training and
business capacity, he was taken from the
regular army and placed in charge of a
mill which furnished supplies to the Con-
federates during the war.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-12
TWO HELD FOR GIRLS MURDER
Detroit Child Cruelty Mistreated Be-
fore Being Choked to Death.

DETROIT, Mich, December 11.-After
working all day upon the mysterious
murder of thirteen-year- Helen Brown,
whose dead body was found half frozen
today In a truck yard on Jones street.
and having gathered in a score of sus-
poets, who were quickly released. the
police tonight held two prisoners on sus-
picion in connection with the case.
One was a man recently released from
the house Of correction and little Is
known about him.
The other is a young man who has
been a neighbor of the Browns. but who
declares he never knew the child who
was killed. He has witness who gives
him an albi, accounting for all his time
from noon yesterday up to the time or
the finding of the body.
But the police assert that he was ar
rested two years ago in connection with
an assault on an eight-year-old girl, al
though no case was made out against
him at that time.
An autopsy today demonstrated that the
girl had been cruelty mistreated and that
her death was caused my asphyxiation,
which might have been due to a hand
placed over her mouth or to being
choked.
The bruises on her face proved less Sc
rious than at first supposed, and were ap-
parently nothing more than fiingernall
marks.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-12
PRINCE RUSPOLI DEAD.
Italian Diplomat Welded American
Girl in Washington.

Special Cablegram to The Star.
ROME, December 12.-Diplomatic and
social circles in Washington will regret
the death Of Prince Enrico Ruspoh at
his castle of Nemi, on the beautiful lake
of that name.
He had wide American acquaintance,
begun while he was attached TO the
Italian embassy In Washington. and en-
larged by the hospitality Of his own
home, where an American princess pre-
sided
The prince married In Washington Mrs
Jennie Berry Bruton, in March. 1902, the
wedding being notable because Monsignor
Sebastian Martinelli, then apostolic dele
gate conducted the ceremony as an old
friend of the princes family.
Soon after this the prince relinqulshed
his diplomatic place to enter the political
field at home, in which he became an
active figure He devoted much time
also to writing on subjects OF public con-
tern for home magazines. and was promi-
nent in archaeological work.
His health had been delicate for sew
eral wears. He died at the age of thirty
three.
The princess was Jennie Berry of
Floyd county, Ga Her first husband was
a member of the firm of Bruton & Con-
don OF Nashville.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-12
Prairie Preparing to Sail
by Middle of This Week

PHILADELPHIA, December 1.-The
transport Prairie. which grounded In
the Delaware river while steaming
down that waterway with 700 marines
for Central America. December 2, was
f1oated today with the assistance OF
tugs and dredges.
After an examination at the Philadcl-
phia navy yard 1T was announced that
the ship had not been damaged as a
result of the mishap.
AS soon as orders were received from
Washington. late this afternoon, to
again prepare the Prairie for the
force at the yard was at once put u
work to carry out the instructions. All
stores and nearly all coal lightered
while the yesseli was stuck in the mud
are again being transferred to the ship.
Rear Admiral Harris, coInmandant of
the navy yard. said tonight that it prob
ably will be the middle of next week be-
fore the Prairie will be ready for sailing.
There are $50 marines at the naval sta
ton. The quota of 100, ordered by the
department to proceed to Colon. and
battalion for duty at the yard Will have
to be made up from other stations.
1t is expected that the Boston, New
York, Washington and Norfolk navy
yards will oe called upon to furnish the
men needed.
$50 Marines From New York.
NEW YORK, December 11.-At the
Brooklyn navy yard 1t was said toniG,a.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-12
SWitchmen and Railroads
to Discuss Differences

CHICAGO. H., December u.-Negotia-
tions between the railroads conference
committee representing the General Man.
ayers Association and the switchmen
committee will begin Monday in Chicago,
according to an authorized statement Is
sued here late today by the General Man
ayers Association.
1t is expected that the different points
at issue between the railroads and the
employees will be discussed by the parties
to the conference.
Interstate Commerce Commissioner
Knapp and Labor Commissioner Neill
Monday will also take up the question Of
adjusting the dispute between the Illinois
Central railroad and the telegraphers OF
that road, who have asked for an increase
Of 10 per cent in their wages.
The demand of the telegraphers was
denied by the road The dispute was
referred to the mediation of the federal
commissioners.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-12
M'VEAGH HITS OUT
Customs Frauds His Theme
at Keystone Dinner.
BLOT ON THE GOVERNMENT
Service in New York Severely Han
died by the Secretary.
KNOX TALKS OF THE NATIONS
Attorney General Wickersham Also
a Speaker at Annual Banquet
of Pennsylvania Society.
BLOT ON THE GOVERNMENT
KNOX TALKS OF THE NATIONS

NEW YORK, December 11.-Nne hum
dred and sixty-four distinguished men
heard three members of President Tafts
cabinet address the eleventh annual din
ner of the Pennsylvania Society of New
York at the Waldorf-Astoria tonight, and
of those speakers the most emphatic
note was struck by Franklin MacVeagh.
Secretary of the Treasury, in a bitter
arrangement of customs frauds, partic
ularly at the port of New York.
The other two, Philander c. Knox, Sec
retary of State, and George w. Wick
ersham, Attorney General. spoke along
more general lines. the latter. however,
emphasizing the necessity of federal
power. the increase of which has been
so much criticised. Secretary Knox con-
fined himself largely to the ever-increas-
ing cooperation of nations.
Concerning custom house frauds in New
York, Secretary MacVeagh said:
You know what we are trying to do
for this city. We are trying to cut out
a fostering corruption. You may say
that the customs service at New York
is blot upon the federal government. 1t
is also a blot upon New York city, and
what the government is doing and at
own premises, but to raise the standard
of public service in this city
Taft Back of All.
The undertaking needs the President
at the back of it, and it would be impos-
sible for any man in any position to be
more direct and normal in his outlook
upon a question of good government or
10
any important and wise project of i'm
provement than President Taft
I'm what the Department of Justice and
the Treasury Department are undertak-
ing to do at this port, and in the less
important but still important things We
shall attempt to do at the other ports
of the country, we have President Taft
behind U.S.
Mr. MacVeagh here praised William
Loeb, jr., collector of the port. for the
work he has accomplished and contin-
ued.
I shall dwell upon one obstacle only
and that is the important influence of
the example of those rich or well-to-do
travellers who, for the sake of what
they can make out of it. are willing to
evade lawful duties and sometimes to
bribe in the bargain.
''A very serious condition in this con-
nection Is the lack of sufficient public
opinion to aid in correcting these prac-
tees
Secretary MacVeagh went into dis
cussion of the new tariff law. which he
said must be obeyed by homecoming
travellers as well others.
Previous TO his address the Secretary
had referred to that class of persons who
did not hesitate to steal from the govern
ment. In this connection, he said:
And thus it comes about tnat we have
land grabbers and water thieves Upon
this subject. however, he did not amplify,
Continued ON Fourtssnth Page)
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-12
NEW AMBASSADOR SAILS.
Representative of Japan in United
States on Way.

SAN FRANCISCO, December lily.
Uchida. newly appointed japanese ambas-
sader to the United States to succeed
Minister Takahira, sailed from Honolulu
yesterday on the liner Tenyo Maru for
this port. according to cablegram re-
ceived by Japanese Consul General Nagai
The ambassador is anxious to feach his
post at Washington as quickly as possible
and will take the first train for the east
after the arrival Of the Tenyo December
16. Nagai was informed of this inten-
tion in order that he might make ar
rangements for quick trip eastward.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-12
HEARING ON APPEAL.
Understanding Reached on Stand.
ard Oil Case,

Following conferences yesterday be-
tween Attorney General Wickersham and
Frank B. Kellogg, on the part of the
government, and John g. Milburn of
counsel for the Standard Oil Company
an understanding was reached as to the
date for the hearing of the appeal OF the
corporation from the decision OF the
United States district court in st. Paul.
The conference was held in the Depart
ment of Justice and the findings were not
made public. 1t is understood. however.
that the litigation Is in such shape that
the appeal can be taken up in the begin
ming OF the year.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-12
COOK AND PEARY THERE
TO SETTLE POLE DISPUTE
Both Proved to Be Imposters When
They Get Clean Shave.
MANY OTHER DISCOVERIES
Remarkable Finds Through Me-
diumistic aud Other Means Add
to Enjoyment of Long List
of Distinguished Guests.

So. as the last strains of the quartets
eong of welcome echoed through the
darkened hail. the great electric gTidron
over President TafCs head flashed, the
lights gloved on ceiling and wall and
candelabra, the orchestra struck up a
lively air, and the 25i guests and club
members sat down to table.
II was of the clock at the New
Willard last night, and the Gridiron
Club was giving the first of its dinners
of this season. From far and near the
guests had come in response to the
hospitable bid of the club for a night of
merrymaking, OF good-natured quips and
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-12
Report of Coal Famine
Denied by Railroad Men

ST. PAUL, Mimi. December 1.-THE
strike of the sWitchmen was enlivened
today by rumors from Minneapolis of a
coal famine and by the report here that
from twenty to thirty of the Brotherhood
of Trainmen, who had been employed as
swtchmen and in other duties, and who
were out on strike, had become tired OF
being idle and would return to their work
Monday morning.
The coal famine in Minneapolis Is not a
matter to be feared, according to railway
officials and officials of some of the
largest coal companies doing business In
both cities.
Statement of Coal Dealer.
From the Offices OF the Philadelphia
and Reading Coal Company in Mime
apois it was learned that nine cars Of
coal had been received today.
"Otherwise,'' said the informant, "our
yards are out of hard and steam COAL"
General Manager Goodell of the North
ern Pacific railway. when told of the
statements of the Minneapolis coal deal
ers, said:
Il know that is a mistake. I person.
ally spotted seventeen cars of coal in the
yards there, last night, and twenty y-four
cars this morning.
I'VE had :,0J loads of coal out of
Staples, Mimi. yesterday. destined for
western points. We have not had one
complaint of shortage of COAL"
J. NJ. Gruber of the Great Northern
railway said:
1--WE hauled 90 cars of coal into the
Twin City yards yesterday. About one
half of that went to connecting lines
for delivery, and the rest to local yards. :"
Report of Strike Conditions.
A. L. Flynn and Charles Watson. agents
Of the state railroad and warehouse COM
mission, sent out to investigate the
freight traffic situation in Twin City
yards affected by the switchmen's strike.
completed their investigation and re-
ported to the commission today.
From the investigation made their
report read, I'VE are of the opinion that
the companies are making every effort
to keep less-than-carload merchandise
shipments moving. with fairly good re-
suits. but the amount of carload freight
handled is much curtailed.
Receivers of freight encounter diff
Guilty in having such carload freight
as may be brought into this terminal
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-12
COAL IS GIVING OUT
Minneapolis Dealers Say
Supply Is Exhausted.
ONLY NINE CARS COME IN
Dozens of Towns Out Of or Nearly
Out of Fuel.
DENIAL MADE BY RAILROADS
ONLY NINE CARS COME IN
DENIAL MADE BY RAILROADS
Brotherhood Men May Go Back to
Work-Grievances to Be Dis
cussed in Conference.

MINNEAPOLIS, Mimi, December H.
For the first time in the history of Min
with the possible exception Of
the period of the anthracite coal strike,
coal dealers in this city are. without coal.
Secretary Reeves of the Northwestern
Coal Dealers Association said that Mil
band, s. D.; Grand Forks, Fargo, Moor
head, Wadena and dozens of other towns
are out or nearly out of coal,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-12

made great discovery, namely, the Cos
mos Club, on pay day at the United States
Treasury. Questioned as to the equip
ment they had taken with them, DIR. cook
said he had carried a fountain pen and
a strong determination to make a bold
dash for the lecture platform. while Com
mander Peary confessed to having car
ried along q newspaper contract a mega
phone OF large size and Matt Henson.
Among other notable discoveries, it was
brought out that Senator La Toilette had
discovered the wickedest man in Ameri-
ca, the same being Uncle Joe Cannon.
Likewise he had discovered the man who
most nearly approached PERFECTION, being
Senator La Toilette
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-12

property placed for unloading. Careful
inspection of the records shows that con-
ditions are gradually improving in that
respect"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-12
Zelaya to Be Crushed.

Although none of the officials is willing
to be responsible for the statement, there
Is abundant reason for the belief that
this government will see to it that Pres-
dent Zelaya does not long continue at
the head CT the Nicaraguan government.
There seems little reason to question the
statement, frequently made by persons
entirely ia niliar with the Nicaraguan sit
uation, that Zelaya must be crushed. with
or without the aid Of the United States.
Navy officials, while admitting that the
marines expected to land from the Dixie
at Colon today will be hurried across
the isthInus and put on board the BIffa-
10, state that that vessel had received
no orders 10 sail to Corinto. 1t is pointed
rines almost certainly means an imme-
diate sailing, as otherwise the marines
would have been kept on shore until
needed
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-12
Zelaya Statements Contradicted.

Questioned today as to the truth OF
the several statements made by Presi-
dent Zelaya in an interview published
in the American newspapers yesterday
morning, it was said at the State De-
partment that the interview contained
several errors. Two conspicuous ex-
amples were pointed out.
One was that Zelaya disclaimed that
the execution of Cannon and Groce was
by his personal order The State De-
partment has reports to the contrary.
Another inaccurate statement made by
him was that he had communicated TO
this government, expressing his willing
ness to al oW this government to name
a commission to investigate all matters
in connection with the recent disturb
ances to which this government took ex-
ception. ard that he would abide by the
results Of their Investigations. No such
communication. 1t is stated. has been
received by this government.
Col. William P. Biddle, at the marine
barracks a t. New York, will have COM
mand of the 700 marines to be sent
south on the Prairie.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-12
TO PROTECT AMERICANS
is OSTENSIBLE REASON
Prairie to Garry Seven Hundred Ma
rines to Colon.
PREPARATION FOR EMERGENCY
President Zelaya to Be Crushed
With or Without Aid of the United
States, Is General Belief.

Dlsquietfng news received at the STAGE
Department from official and unofficial
sources yesterday to the effect that there
is danger Of an attack on Bluefields by
Zelaya's army resulted in orders, sent by
wireless, to the protected cruiser Tacoma.
with ten guns on board and a full compile
ment of bluejackets, TO proceed under
full steam to Bluefields, there to join the
Des Moines and await further orders.
The Prairie, now at Philadelphia, has
been ordered to take on board 700 marines
and proceed at once to Colon.
The Importance and significance of these
orders is minimized at the State Depart
ment. There it is said the Tacoma has
been instructed merely to look out for
American interests at Bluefelds.
While the destination of the Prairie is
given Colon. the fact that she is
equipped with wireless apparatus would
make it easy to change her destination
at any moment during her trip south.
The most that would he admitted as
to the mission OF these vessels was that
il any eyentuality should make 1t neces-
sary to use marines or jackies in Mica
ragua they would be in readiness for
such emergency.
Anticipating Zelaya's Move.
The news that Zelaya probably would
avoid an engagement at Rama, and, max
ing a detour, strike Bluefields. the head
quarters Of the revolutionary army and
provisional government. was received in
official circles here with some apprehen-
sion. Almost immediately a conference
was held in the Office of the Secretary
of the Navy at which were present Sec
retary Meyer, Assistant Secretary Win
throp. Admiral Wainwright and Assis-
tant Secretary OF State Wilson.
1t is not known whether, Secretary
Knox, who is out Of the city, was com
municated with. A prompt decision. how
ever, was reached to hurry additional
fighting material to the danger point in
Bluetelds.
Thus far there has been no admission
that landing of marines or bluejackets
is in immediate contemplation. 1t Is
certain tney are being placed in a posi-
ton to meet any emergency.
1t is fair assumption. however. that
should American lives be put In jeopardy
or American business interests interfered
with prompt and decisive action would
be taken.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-12

In order to test the capacity of the
chef several orders for dishes were
given him. One wanted poached eggs.
and the proprietor sang out, Cook and
Peary on raft 1t was said that Capt.
Butt had tntfmated that one of the
most distinguished guests of the even
ing. who didn't care to have his name
mentioned wanted to have a plate of
hash with red peppers and tabasco
sauce. One order of Roosevelts poll
cies' was called. Speaker Cannon was
said to want something that he could
get his teeth on that would remind
him of Victor Murdock. whereupon the
order was. "One redheaded duck and let
the blood drip" Secretary Knox ask
ing for large. hot bird. was ordered
One Crane, and let it sizzle."
Postmaster General Hitchcock was
said to crave something which he en-
joyed very much in last years cam
paign-breast of chicken With wings at
tached and boiled dumplings. d"Angel
with the dough-" cried the prophet Jr
and the response came back from the
Continued on Fifteenth Pags.)
Smyrna times., 1909-01-06
NeiohborlX Advice.

l am not one Of those who insist that
everybody should mind his own busi-
ness; that is too harsh Il doctrine One
of the rights and privileges of good
neighbor is to give neighborly advice.
But there is a corresponding right on
the part of the adyisee. and that is I,
take no more of the advice than he
thinks is good for him. There is one
thing that Il man knows about his Ow..
business better than any outsider, and
that is how hard it is for him to do it.
The adviser is always telling him how
to do it in the finest possible way,
while he, poor fellow, knows that the
paramount issue is whether he can do
it at all. 1t requires some grace on the
part of person who is doing the best
he can under extremely difficult cir
cumstances to accept cheerfully the
remarks Of the intelligent critics. NJ
Crothers iH Atlantic.
Smyrna times., 1909-01-06
Aesop Up to Date.

A Hare. meeting Il Tortoise one day,
remarked rs he looked at the Tor
toise's heavy shell and short feet, Il
think could beat you in a race
"All right" answered the Tortoise.
''It is not every race that is won by
hare"
At the hour appointed for the contest
the Hare soon left the Tortoise out OF
sight and, feeling sure of winning. lay
down by the roadside to take a nap.
After a half hours sleep and rest he
resumed the race. But the Tortoise
had turned into a wayside garage and
hired an automobile. and so he soon
overlook the fleet footed Hare.
The Hare was going at the limit of
his speed, but the Tortoise was goinG
at the speed limit and won the race
by three miles and seven laps.
When the Hare, in the course Of
time. arrived at the post he said, with
a sigh. You'll never catch me in al
endurance race again"
MOral.-FoOt racing is healthy. bu
motoring is swifter.-St Nicholas.