davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Los Angeles herald., 1910-02-17
FATALLY INJURED BY
GRAND AVENUE CAR
Former Mining and Oil Man Sustains
Fracture of Skull That May
Result in His
Death

F. E. Lightfoot, formerly mining
man and oil worker, was struck and
fatally injured by q westbound Grand
avenue car at the junction of Spring
and Franklin streets last night. AT
the receiving hospital it was found by
police surgeons that Lightfoot was
suffering from a basal fracture of the
skull and bruises about the head and
body.
. Patrolman Fisher was an eye-wit-
ness to the accident, and in his report
stated Lightfoot became confused in
crossing the street and did not notice
the approach of the car. He was
struck and tossed to one side.
The car, No. 595, was brought to a
stop, and at first it was thought
Lightfoot was not seriously injured.
A basal fracture of the skull was dis
covered when the injured man was
taken to the receiving hospital and
this, according to the police surgeons,
will result in death.
Lightfoot resides at the United
States hotel, 168 North Main street.
Los Angeles herald., 1910-02-17
WANTS TO BAR
MOTHER-lN-LAW
HUSBAND DOESN'T LIKE HIS
WIFE'S RELATIVES
Sideliahts on Domestic Life Shown in
Divorce TriaI-Woman Says
Husband Threw Shoe
at Her

Appeal to the courts for an injunc-
ton to restrain a mother-in-law from
visiting her daughters home is threat
ened as one of the incidents in the dl-
vorce action Of Mary E. Lilley against
her husband, William c. Lilley.
The case was heard in part by Judge
Houser of the divorce court yesterday
and continued for two weeks. Before
fine continuance was ordered Judge
Houser conferred with Carlyle Wynn
and II. H. Appel, attorneys represent
ing the wife and husband, respectively,
and as a. result efforts Will be made
pending the next hearing to effect
reconciliation.
Mrs. Lilley says this is out Of the
question, because her husband will re-
neat the cruel treatment to Which he
subjected her before their separation.
On one occasion, she said, he threw a
shoe at her and several times swore.
The possibility of patching up the do
mestic breach is also doubted by Lilley,
who says all his troubles are due to
the effect of his mother-in-laW's pfes-
ence in his home.
"I expect to appeal to the courts for
an Injunction to restrain this mans
mother-in-law from visiting his home,
either while he is present or during his
absence, provided a reconciliation Is
brought about" said Attorney Appel,
as he left the court house.
No action of this character was in
stituted up to the time the courts
closad Yesterday.
Los Angeles herald., 1910-02-17

Despite the fact that Patrolman
Finn attempted to prove that John
Pierson was violating city ordinance
NV smoking on the front end of Cen
+ral avenue car Saturday afternoon,
Police Judge Chambers yesterday ac-
cented the straightforward statements
of Mr.. and Mrs. Pierson, who stated
that the accused simply had an un-
lighted cigar in his mouth, and ad-
iudged Pierson not guilty.
Pierson was arrested Saturday after
noon bv Patrolman Finn, who also
took into custody H. B. Truitt, gen
eral repairman for the Los Angeles
RAILWAY company. Finn claimed that
Truitt was smoking and, so Trultt as
serts. refused to show his badge, ne De-
ing in plain clothes at the time.
Both men accompanied the ofticer TO
the police station and not untli tney
arrived at the desk sergeant's WINDOW
SO thew assert, were they aware that
Finn was an officer, he having refused
IN disnlay his shield until that time.
Trnitt's case was the first one called
in police court yesterday afternoon.
Finn testified that Truitt was smok-
ing in the front end of the car and
was placed under arrest when he re-
fused to cease smoking or go to the
rear end of the car.
Truitt testified that the cigar was
unIighted when he boarded the car and
that he did not even place the cigar
stub in his mouth during the entire
time he was on the car.
Mrs. John Pierson corroborated his
story and declared that the officer
s'scolded" Truitt and refused to exhlblt
Los Angeles herald., 1910-02-17
APlARlSTS STING
BEE INSPECTORS
LOS ANGELES AND SAN BER-
NARDIN0 MEN SCATRED
Charge Is Entered at Concluding Ses-
sion of Convention That Super
visors Appoint Incompetents
to Important Duties

The California Bee Keepers associa-
tion closed its twentieth annual con-
vention in the Chamber of Commerce
building yesterday with the election OF
officers for the ensuing year and near
ing a report from NJ. c. Richter, a
Santa Barbara bee expert who was ap-
pointed to look into the work of George
b. De Sellem, recently appointed IN
specter of apiaries for Los Angeles
county by the board of supervisors
against the wishes of the bee associa-
tion.
Richter's report contained charges of
incompetency and negligence of duty
on the part OF the supervisors ap-
pointee.
Richter said that De Sellem refused
to work Monday because of a strong
wind that was blowing, and that in
his inspection Tuesday he exhibited
gross Ignorance in the handling of bees
and in the knowledge of the foulbrood
disease rapidly gaining headway
among the hives. de Salem only in
spected five frames out of every eight
in his search for the disease" said
Richter, claiming that only the
strongest frames need be examined"
Roars of laughter greeted this ref
erence to the inspectors knowledge OF
Los Angeles herald., 1910-02-17
ACTORS IN PASSION
PLAY WORKING HARD
Production in 21 Acts to Be Presented
at Auditorium Week of March
IL Rapidly Rounding
Into Shape

With every rehearsal of the Passion
play, which will be presented at the
Auditorium theater the week of Mafch
IA, the production is rounding INTO
shape, and according to the statements
Of William Stoermer and others VINO
are directing the production, will be a
great success artistically. All the parts
have been assigned and rehearsals are
held four times each week. Nearly all
the players are letter perfect in their
lines already.
1t is not generally known that the
Passion play is not to be viewed IN
single night of a single performance. 1t
takes three nights to present the great
story. The play is in twenty-one acts'
seven of which are given each night.
They depict the life of Christ in most
intelligent manner, and in such way
that no possible offense may be taken.
Father Cassian, who is one of the
Franciscan priests interested vitality
in the play, has declared that the CHAR
acter of Christ will be made dearer IN
the hearts and minds of all who witness
the Passion play. The version to be
presented in Los Angeles is in many
respects like the play given at Ober-
ammergau, and so far as known there
never has been an objection raised TO
the performances there. Joseph B.
Troy, one of the leading actors in the
play, will assume the role of Peter.
In order to guarantee the success OF
the Passion play from a financial
standpoint subscriptions are being
raised by those in charge of the pro-
duction. All the money netted from
the nIay will be used in restoring the
missions of California. President Taft
at a dinner rendered him in Riverside
said that the restoration of the mis-
sions was one of the most laudable
ideas ever advanced. He said the his
tory of California is based on the mis-
sions. and for that reason they should
not be allowed to fall into decay.
Los Angeles herald., 1910-02-17

lar & Sons Shipping and Lumber COM
pany of Sas Francisco, giving his busi-
ness address as the Merchants EX-
change building, San Francisco. His
place of residence was 371 Sixty-third
street, Oakland.
Investigation showed that O'Brien,
who in the course of his business visit
ed Los Angeles several times year,
registered at the Hotel Hayward, Feb
ruary 10. He left the hotel the fol-
lowing day without taking his baggage,
and his whereabouts from that time
until Monday night are unknown.
1t is said that O'Brien had been
drinking and was despondent, and that
he planned to end his life Is indicat-
ed by the fact he registered at a small
hotel under an assumed name.
In the letter addressed to the Oak
land lodge of Elks, part of which was
made public was the following: Take
good care of my two sons until they
have grown to manhood, and for Gods
sake keep them away from the curse of
drink, which has caused the downfall
of many good men,"
The letters to his mother and wife
were not opened and will be given to
relatives, who were notified last night
of the death. 1t is expected his wife
and brother will arrive soon from Oak
land.
When news of the suicide was re-
ceived a committee of the local lodge
of Elks visited Bresee Bros undertake
ing rooms, where the body was taken
and agreed to take charge of the
funeral arrangements and send the
body to Oakland.
O'Brien was about 40 years old, and
regarded as a successful salesman,
having been engaged in the lumber
busisess for a number of years. Besides
his mother, he leaves wife and two
sons in Oakland, and a brother, j. j.
O'Brien.
Los Angeles herald., 1910-02-17
LEAGUE OF JUSTICE BRANDS
BRUTALITY OF THE POLICE
DISGRACE TO CIVILIZATION
Beating and Bullying of Prisoners and Vio-
lation of Citizens Constitutional
Rights Scathingly Denounced

shame to this department and to our
city,"
The league summarizes its conclu-'
sions as follows:
"1. That there is wrong notion of
the efficiency of a policeman.
49, That the practice of arrests on
suspicion is not only wrong in itself
and subject to unlimited abuse, but a
danger to the rights of all citizens.
"3 That some officers are unduly
harsh and cruel in their treatment of
prisoners.
"a. That the attempt of officers to
induce prisoners to confess SO that
their record of arrests and convic-
tons may be increased is perversion
of Justice and a danger to the COM
munity.
Police Station and City jail
81. That prisoners are incarcerated
without the right of communication
with friends or attorney.
49, That innocent men are incarcer-
ated in the same manner as witnesses.
49, That the sweating process and
third degree are practices, though
common to all large cities, that ought
not to be tolerated among civilized
people.
81. That it is an outrage to use evil
dence gained under duress against a
pI1SOilGIs
"5. That the indiscriminate incarcer-
alton of prisoners is productive of evil.
The City Jail
al. That the Jail is kept in dirty,
filthy, shameful condition.
"2. That a system of ventilation
could be devised and the building kept
clean.
"3. That there is no need to subject
the taxpayers of this city to the ex-
pense of securing a new location and
building.
"a. That the crowded condition of
the Jail may be remedied and that JUS
tice may be facilitated by the estab-
lishment of a night court
''5 That there should be due pre-
caution against disease and other evils.
I'm conclusion the league suggests
that some system of training be de-
vised for this department. This could
be done without expense to the city
and would give greater efficiency.
with few exceptions the league has
not given the detailed facts upon which
this report has been based, for it
would make the report unnecessarily
long. However, these facts and cases
will be gladly submitted to this body
whenever it desires them. Other mat
ters, too, not mentioned here, will be
brought to your attention.
The report is signed for the League
of Justice by Louis A. Handley.
Los Angeles herald., 1910-02-17
Court Discredits Story OF
Policeman and Acquifs PierSOn

his badge Because of the absence of
a witness for Truitt the case was con-
tinued by Judge Chambers to Friday
afternoon.
When Persons case was called Pa
trolman Finn testified, as in the case
of Truitt, that the accused was Smok-
ing in the front end of the car and
refused to desist when asked. Finn
then said he placed the man under
arrest. The two witnesses subpoenaed
by Finn testified as to the conversa-
ton between the officer and Pierson
Mrs. Pierson stated that her hus-
band boarded the car and had an un-
lighted cigar in his mouth at the time.
She declared emphatically that he was
not smoking and said the officer ar
rested her husband without cause.
She was angered at the manner in
which her husband was arrested, and
spoke vigorously and told her story
without the least hesitancy.
Pierson then testified and declared
his cigar was not lighted and said the
officer arrested him without cause. The
accused stated he formerly was in the
army and makes it a practice to famil-
iarize himself with the various ordi-
nances and to obey them.
At the conclusion of the testimony
of Pierson the judge adjudged the ac-
cused not guilty and discharged him
from custody.
Truitt stated a short time after his
arrest that he would prefer charges
against Patrolman Finn and have him
hailed before the police commission. 1t
Is thought Pierson also will prefer
charges against Finn for the manner
In which the officer made the arrest.
Los Angeles herald., 1910-02-17

HY HAT Los Angeles patrolmen beat,
bully and make arrests at ran
"A dom to win promotion in the de-
partment are some of the conclusions
which the League of Justice has
reached after an investigation into the
conduct of affairs in the police sys-
tenn in this city.
In the report upon the investigation,
sent yesterday to the police commits
sion, the city council and the civil
service commission, the league con-
cludes that the whole system is wrong:
that besides the above mentioned
abuses prisoners are thrown into filthy
cells in the city jail AMI are put
through a cruel third degree" at
Headquarters. OF the harsh treatment
given prisoners by officers, the league
has this to say, in part:
1T is revealed that some officers are
undulv harsh and cruel in their treat
ment of prisoners. Protests from both
men and women have come to the Of
fee of the league because of the cru
city to prisoners which has come TO
their notice. In at least one case prl-
vate citizens felt compelled to inter-
fere with a patrohnan who was mai
treating a prisoner without cause. 1t
is not a practice common to the whole
force, but rather a matter of lndiv1d-
ual caprice which should be subjected
to discipline. In this connection the
league desires to call attention to the
profane abuse of prisoners, which is
wrong in itself and which can do no
good to the service. 1t matters not
who the PRISONER may be. the law pre-
sumes him innocent until proved
guilty by due process, and he is enti-
tied to humane treatment on every
hand.
7"Still further it is discovered that
officers in their anxiety to make a good
record of arrests and convictions
seek to induce prisoners to confess.
with a promise that they will be let
off easy
Rights Are Violated
1--WE find some of the worst abuses
of the whole department at the police
station and city jail. Prisoners are
brought before the desk sergeant and
amount of bail assigned. If they fail
to have the amount required, they are
incarcerated in the city jail without
the right of communication with
friends or attorney. Then they are
left to the mercy of a trusty' to get
into communication with friends or
attorney. This outrageous procedure
was admitted recently before the po-
lice commission by an acting desk SER
geant as a matter of common practlce'
Such an outrage against justice is
Los Angeles herald., 1910-02-17

Alimony is rising along with other
of life.
Los Angeles herald., 1910-02-17

the bee, which later changed to in
dignant protests from the bee men
against what they claimed was an in
justice wrought upon them by the su-
pervisors which would result later in
untold harm to the bee industry.
Other and more serious complaints
were registered by San Bernardino bee
men to the effect that their inspector
of apiaries was neglecting his duties to
the detriment of the industry, and that
steps be taken to oust him from Of
fee. r. B. Heron is inspector in that
county, being placed in office five years
ago by the supervisors of that county
despite q strong protest from the bee
men. President Burdick of the asso-
citation said last night that repeated eff
forts had been made to GUST Heron
from office, but so far without success,
because of his friends on the board.
Looks Like Life Job
Supervisor ]. B. Glover" said Mr..
Burdick, when we asked him what
were the prospects of putting Heron
out, told us that as long as the COM
plexion of the San Bernardino board
was what 1t is today Heron would
hold his job. This condition exists in
the face of the ravages of a new dis
ease with which we are just beginning
to cope and which threatens, If not
checked, to lower the quality of Cali
fornia honey and practically destroy
our eastern market. Recent investiga-
ton shows that Heron spent fifty
two days in the field and LOG days in
his office last year"
The association closed It's convention
with vote of thanks to the chamber
of commerce, the agricultural depart
ment of the University of California
and Los Angeles Herald for its part
in promoting the best interests of the
association.
officers elected were: President. B.
G. Burdick; secretary and treasurer, A.
B. Shaffner; executive board, M. II.
Mendleson of Ventura, j. w. Ferree of
Newhall and Ralph Benton of the
University of California.
Alinony is rising along with other
Ilacnsea rias Of 1ifa
Los Angeles herald., 1910-02-17
WILL GIVE BENEFIT FOR
POOR WIDOW AND BABES
Each and All Club Plans Entertain.
ment at Symphony Hall
February 18

A benefit entertainment for widow
with children, who is in need of help
financially will be given by the each
and Alp club February Is at Symphony
hall. A short program will be rendered
by members of the club and later the
club and audience will engage in
general jollification. The program will
consist of the following numbers:
Selection Orchestra
WnlStilnB Solo ...................M marie IlelcHer
Violin solo ........................Geo George Baker
Reading, "The Red Fan"
Mrs Claudia II White
Bass solo. lo..........................H w. Webster
Cornet duet.-Mrs. H. Berens and Hazel Baker
Tenor solo .......................Otto G. Wildey
Trombone solo ....."...............C. ". fratt
Soprano solo ..................Gertrude b. Lons
We wish more people who have gift
for music could go to Paris to develop
it-Puck.
Los Angeles herald., 1910-02-17
100 -
HE GAVE 1T AWAY

Numeberless are the stories told of
George washington. Upon one occa-
sion, while the American army was in
camp, Washington heard that the
colored sentries were not altogether re-
liable He determined to test the mat
ter for himself. One night therefore,
when the password was Cambridge,
the general went out and walked up to
a colored sentry.
"Who goes there?" cried the sem
tinel.
"a friend" was the reply.
Advance, friend, and give the coun-
ter sign"
"Roxburgh," said washington.
mo, sah," replied the soldier.
"Charlestown," said washington.
The sentry lost patience. II tell you,
Massa washington" he said empha-
tically, mo man go by here without he
say Cambridge. Seattle Times.
Los Angeles herald., 1910-02-17
Body Identified

The body was identified by an in
surance card in one of the pockets,
which stated the bearer was Oliver
O'Brien, salesman for the Robert Dol
Los Angeles herald., 1910-02-17

He is unmarried, but has relatives in
Los Angeles, including an uncle. viii
liam Lightfoot, proprietor of an oyster
cocktail factory on Also street. The
injured man was sent to the Good
Samaritan hospital.
Los Angeles herald., 1910-02-17
BUSINESS MAN
TAKES OWN LIFE
REGISTERS AT HOTEL UNDER
ASSUMED NAME
WRITES LETTERS TO RELATIVES
AND CORONER
oliver OBrien of San Francisco Kills
HimseIf-Body Found Seated in
a Chair Placed in Front
of Mirror

Seated in a rocking chair, which had
been placed in front of mirror in
room of the Hotel Chapman. Fifth and
Wall streets, Oliver OBrien, we'll
known in business circles of San Fran
cisco and whose home was in Oakland,
was found lifeless last night. On the
floor of the room, near the chair was
a revolver, and bullet wound through
the right temple told the story of the
mans suicide.
O'Brien registered at the Chapman,
Monday night, under the name of r. &.
Johnson and had not been seen from
the time he signed the hotel register,
until his body was found. j. L. Smith,
proprietor of the hotel had made sew
eral attempts to enter the room oc-
cupied by O'Brien, and believing the
man had gone away unexpectedly did
not become suspicious until last night.
A Japanese servant reported he be-
lieved O'Brien was in the room. Pro-
prietor Smith entered with pass key
and found the body. On the dresser in
the room were several letters and
notes. One was addressed to O'Briens
mother, another to his wife and a
third to his brother. J. ]. O'Brien, a
member of the San Mateo Lumber
company. These letters weresealed.
A note found clutched in the hand
Of O'Brien dispelled any theory of
murder. It was addressed to the coro-
ner and read: "Notify my brother, ].
]. O'Brien of the San Mateo Lumber
company, also the secretary of lodge
iii, B. P. o. E.. of Oakland.
Body Identified
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1910-11-18
Q . Q . q a . . . Q = . Q 4
LONDON'S REVENGE.
JUDGE GEORGE SAMUELS.

= After Carter Watson is dis
= charged with Patsy Koran, in
= THE Benefit of the Doubt" 4
= Judge Witberg happens to
. stroll through the ranch of 4
= Watson while on a vacation.
. They recognize each other in 4
= stantly, and Watson proceeds 4
= to beat the judge up, first 4
. knocking him down. 4
. Get up" commanded Wat 4
= son. IF you are a gentleman, 4
. get up-that's what Patsy Ho- 4
= ran told me, you know"
. Judge Witberg declined to 4
= rise and was dragged to his 4
= feet by the coat collar, only to 4
= have one eye blackened and be
. put on his back again. After
. this it was a Red Indian mas
. sacre. Judge Witberg was hui 4
. namely and scientifically 4
. beaten up. His cheeks we're
= boxed, his ears cuffed and his
. face was rubbed with turf. And 4
= all the time Watson exposited
= the way Patsy Koran had 4
= done. Occasionally and very
. carefully the faoetious soci-
. ologist administered real
. bruising blow. Once, dragging 4
. the poor judge to his feet. he 4
. deliberately bumped his own 4
= nose on the gentleman's head. Z
. The nose promptly bled." Z
Q Q q Q Q Q - c, . Q . . q Q q &
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1910-11-18
JACK LONDON.

OAKLAND, Cal, Nov. 1S.-Judge
Samuels hasn't analysed, yet, how
q psychic betting feels. Maybe he
will later. He sure has had one
q daisy.
Jack London has just Cleaned"
the jurist sumpin awful-with a
typewriter, and incidentally worked
q vengeance long promised. The
writer has worked it all in in a cur
rent magazine story that is so trans
parent that the whole San\ Fran
cisco bay region is laughing and
wondering whether Samuels will
come back"
Some time back, London was I'M
fortunate enough to become in
yolved in a really beautiful mill
with one Tim Muldowny, in the lat
ter's tavern here. The law SOW no
distinction. Author and innkeeper
were "pinched" London brought
an action against Muldowny for bat
terry. Judge Samuels dismissed the
case, holding that Muldowny was
entitled to the benefit of the
doubt" London declared that he
! was going to get" Samuels ITO the
full hilt of the law that obtains
among civilized men"
In his THE Benefit of the Doubt, -
which appeared recently in a Phila-
: delphia publication claiming over a
million circulation weekly, he has
his revenge. His characters in this
story are SO thinly disguised as to
be unmistakable. London is Carter
Watson, Judge Samuels is Judge
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1910-11-18
met Death
BY A TRAIN

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 17--Mrs. Mar
garet ]. Pope, 80 years of age,
known throughout the United
States as the mother of the Amer
lean Association of Travelling Pas
senger Agents." was killed by
Frisco passenger train at Shrews-
bury Park, st. Louis county, at 4
o'clock yesterday afternoon.
The engine struck the buggy and
knocked Mrs. Pope out. She was
caught by the pilot of the engine
and dragged over $50 yards before
the engineer could bring the train
to stop.