davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Omaha daily bee., 1915-12-26

nephew of John Munsinger OF Howard.
Kan, passed through Omaha recently on
his way home after visiting with his
aged uncle in Kansas. Some time ago
the one-hundred and third birthday of the
old gentleman was celebrated at How
ard. On that occasion little calcula-
ton was made and II was found that he
has twelve living children. forty-eight
grandchildren, eighty-three great-grand-
children, and eleven great. great-grand-
children, thus completing five living gem
erations.
One his one hundred and third birth
day he enjoyed his dinner with the rest
told many interesting stories. wrote his
autograph for all guests without the aid
of glasses, and danced lively Jig in the
center of a cleared floor for the edifica-
ton of those present
How did live so long?" repeated the
old gentleman. "Why, l never get the
blues. That's how I lived so long.
Blues are what kill people,"
After further conversation the old gent
leman confided to the guests that he
claims an athletic championship, too.
Yes, sir" he said, IT claim can out
run any man of my age"
Omaha daily bee., 1915-12-26
Prick to Make Good
Savings of Children
Lost in Bank Crash

PITTSBURGH Dec. %.-Joy prevailed
In the hearts of Pittsburgh school child
rem tonight as a result of the announce
ment late today by II. C. Frick. mil
honaire coal megnate, that ne will pay
In full as a Christmas gift all the ac-
counts of the 1900 children depositors in
the Pittsburgh Bank for Savings, which
was closed here last Wednesday by order
OF the state department of banking. The
deposits amount to S167. 1868 and payment
VIII be made In cash just as soon as the
necessary arrangements can be COM
pleted. which viii probably be about
January 3.
In order to induce children to save.
school savings fund was started many
years ago. Through an agreement with
the city board of education bank col
lectors visited the 1872 schools in the city
weekly. Penny by penny the deposits of
the children increased until they amount
ed to nearly $4,000. Then a few DAYS
before Christmas announcement was
made that the bank had been closed and
a gloom fell over the city.
When Mr.. Frick. who is I'm New York
was Informed that thousands of children
were depositors. he at once communi-
Gated with II. c. ADcEldowney president
OF another local bank, and announced
that he would take care OF the fund in
such way that the school children
would not lose cent.
Omaha daily bee., 1915-12-26
WILSON'S ATTEND A
TREE CELEBRATION
President and Wife Spend Evening
in 0ld-FashiOned Virginia
Xmas Qualification.
NEGROES GIVE A PROGRAM

HOT SPRINGS, Va. Dec. "a
President and Mrs. Wilson spent to-
night In an old fashioned Virginia
Christmas celebration, held In the
spacious lounging room of their
hotel. 1t was their first appearance
In the public part OF the hotel since
they arrived Sunday to spend their
honeymoon.
A big and gayly decorated Christ
mas tree filling one end OF the room,
was presided over by a dusky Santa
Claus. Before 1t disported fifteen
negroes, whose antics and musical
efforts kept the president and
everybody else almost convulsed
with laughter.
when Mr.. Wilson and his bride an.
peared they found a crowd Of merry
ceiebrators, including many other honey.
moon couples standing. waiting for Their
to take reserved places. Mira Wilson
wore an eSening gown Of black chlf,
fon velvet, with flesh colored clotS al
the neck. She wore a diamond brooch
given her by the president. and a small
wrist watch.
II was near midnight when the party
broke up with hearty exchanges OF
Christmas good wishes.
Earlier In the evening the president
and Mrs. Wilson, on returning from
an automobile ride. had been surprised
by finding on their dinner table a bril-
iiantly lighted little Christmas tree sur
mounted by dove OF peace.
Omaha daily bee., 1915-12-26
KILLED SPEEDING
FROM GIRL VICTIM
Auto Party Flees Away After
Striking Woman and Machine
0verturns.
ONE DEAD AND TWO HURT

Los ANGELES. Cal, Dec. 49,
Endeavoring to make their escape
after running down and seriously
injuring a woman, according to po-
lice reports, Charles Heron, q mo-
ton picture actor, was killed. and
his two companions, James J. CORN
by, a chauffeur. and Duchallu Dali
ton, an animal trainer. were in
jured here tonight, when their auto
mobile overturned.
Gormby was placed under arrest
at the Emergency hospital. Miss
Florence c. whitman, 20 years old,
q stenographer. was struck by an
automobile as she alighted from q
street ear near her home, her arms
filled with Christmas presents.
AS witnesses hurried forward. the
automobile, It was charged, speeded
away. and after q chase of several
blocks by other machines, over
turned against the tree in rounding
a corner. Heron was killed almost
instantly. Dalton and Gormby were
hurled TO the sidewalk, badly cut
and bruised. Gormby was found in
an apartment a short distance away,
where officers said he fled after the
second accident.
Omaha daily bee., 1915-12-26
Contract is Let for
Deep Oil Well Project

PLATTsMoUTH. Dec. 25.-(speciaD-
Gharles II. Baker OF Des Moines, and
l. H. Pollock Of Plattsmouth, who are
prospecting for oil and gas in south
east Cass county, have signed a contract
with L. DIETRICH OF Kansas City, for the
oriiiing OF test well. Machinery with
a capacity OF drilling 1000 feet has been
shipped to Cass county from the south
ern oil fields. and work will be be-
gun Immediately upon the arrival OF
same.
q. F. Schramm. assistant professor of
geology University of Nebraska, has Sc
iected the anticline, or ledge of rock
which shows evidence Of q great up
heaval south OF Plattsmouth and north
east Of Union. az the most favorable
location.
Omaha daily bee., 1915-12-26
Carranza Orders an
Army to Chase Villa

Ell PAso, Tex. Dec. "a Christmas
message expressing the confidence Of the
de facto government in the early TO
storation OF order in Mexico was sent
throughout Mexico tonight by Carranza
officials here Advices were received by
General obresOn. eommander-in-chief of
the carranza army. OF the tentative sur
render Of General Jose Rodriguez, the
largest remaining organized villa force.
committee. It was said. Is en- route
from Rodriguez headquarters at Caaas
Grandes to arrange terms.
Tho whereabouts OF General villa re-
mains a mystery here. General Carranza
has Instructed General obregon to dis
patch an army westward from Chihua-
hua 10 pursue villa.
A group OF former Villa generais today
conferred with General obregon. GEN
eral Isabel Robes was selected after
ward to muster out the surrendered sol
diers. They are 20 be dlsarmed. pald.
clothed and given the choice OF Joining
Carranza in the campaign against Gem
eral zapata or being sent to their homes.
Omaha daily bee., 1915-12-26
FLAUGHER COMMANDS
GEORGE CROOK G. A. R. POST

George Crook post. Grand Army OF the
Republic. elected officers last night al
headquarters at the courthouse. and Sc
lected delegates to the state encamp-
ment
Officers elected. were as follows: Com
mander. ID. s. Flaugher: senior vice
commander. c. T. Smith; junior vice
commander. NJ. l.. Platts; quartermaster.
J. T. Beatty; chaplain. Perry Hough; Of
ficer OF the day Frank Miller; officer
OF the guard. Charles Wicks; surgeon,
F. w. Simpson; patriotic instructor,
George p. Garlick; trustee for three
years, F. w. simpson; delegates to
state encampment. r. N. Willis, q. z.
Melick, and o. II. swingley; altsrnates,
NJ. L. PIatts. e. B. Eagen. and Charles
Wicks
c. F. Bonnie was initiated and mus
tered I'm as a new member Of the post
Omaha daily bee., 1915-12-26
BoULEvARDS OF PARIS
THR0NGED WITH PEOPLE

PARIS. Dec. 5.-The second Christmas
Eve OF the war was even less solemn
than the first Parisians are becoming
accustomed to the unusual conditions
imposed by the war and although no
restaurants were permitted to remain
open all night. the boulevards were
thronged until late hour and the ira
ditional booths enjoyed an unusually
good trade in toys and candy.
Hundreds OF soldiers in French grey
Belgians I'm blue and British in Khaki re-
heved the sombre eolors worn by
civilians. A brilliant fun moon madeup
for the restrained lighting OF the streets
Theaters and moving picture places were
crowded TO capacity.
Omaha daily bee., 1915-12-26
Pope Hopes that
Peace Will Come in
Answer to Prayer

ROME - (Vis Paris.l-Dec. B.-Pope
Benedict today. in replying 20 the Christ
mas greetings. extended on behalf OF the
sacred college by Cardinal Vannutelli
feeiingiy alluded to the terrible war in
Europe" and spoke OF the immense car
mage and cruelties as unprecedented in
history.
The pontiff again expressed an ardent
desire for peace and said that. In con-
formity with the wishes OF many OF the
faithful. he had consented to make an
addition OF the words Of Queen oil
Peace. pray for us.' to tho Lltany Of
Lsoreto ami expressed the hope that III,
Virgins intercession with God would
soon bring an answer to his prayers.
Pope Benedicts reply 10 Cardinal vanu.
TELLS greetings was delivered on the
occasion OF the reception by the pontiff
Of the sacred college.
Omaha daily bee., 1915-12-26
Platte County Fair
Will Buy Grounds

COLUMBUS, NEB.. Dec. 25.-(special)
IA meeting Of the stockholders OF the
Platte County Fair association was held
In Ryan 4 Byrnes office for the purpose
OF electing officers and board OF man
ayers for the ensuing year, which was
well attended. Arrangements were com
pleted for the organization Of a perman-
ent fair association and the following
officers were elected: Carl Rohde, pres
ident; J. G. Byrnes, vice president: Jerry
carrig. secretary; Fred Willie, treasurer;
and Carl Rohde, r. f. Dickinson. Emil
Loseks. j. G. Byrnes. Bruce Webb. q
w. Hollingshead and Fred Willie. board
OF manasers. G. w. Hollingshead was
elected as delegate TO attend the an
nual meeting OF the county fair mana.
gers to be held in Lincoln on the 18th
Of January, 1916
A committee was appointed to buy per-
manent grounds
Omaha daily bee., 1915-12-26
Hunt for Submarine
Bases at Canal Ends

PANAMA. Dec. S.-Major General
george w. Cocktails. governor of the
canal zone. Brigadier General Clarence
X Edwards and Rear Admiral Albert
w: Grant. commanding the Atlantic
submarine flotiila. at conferences be-
ing held here. are said to be discussing
locations for submarine bases at both
ends OF the Panama canal, with a view
70 bringing larger underwater fleet
to the isthmuA
IL Is also understood that they are ar
ranging the location of various mine
fields and other defensive measures in
which submarine fleet would play an
active part. At the conclusion of the
conference they will make recommends
lions to the War and Navy departments
There are now two warships in canal
waters. the Columbia at Colon, and the
Cleveland at Balboa
Omaha daily bee., 1915-12-26
Flat Feet Keep
Men Out of Navy

Moro men fail to get into the United
States navy because they have flat feet
than for any other reason. This is dis
closed by the annual report of the local
recruiting office. Out OF 17S reflections in
the first quarter of this year thirty
three were because OF flat feet. twenty
six because OF defective eyes, nine be-
cause OF heart affections, seven for de-
formittes, eight for skin diseases. six for
nasal troubles and thirteen for defective
teeth.
1t is estimated that It costs about $500
to get each man accepted. counting the
salaries OF the recruiting staff, railroad
fares of accepted men. office expenses
and so on.
Out Of every eight applicants six fail
10 pass the physical examination.
Omaha daily bee., 1915-12-26
Funeral Services
For Margery McCord

Private funeral services were held Fri
day afternoon for Miss MarSery Mo-
Cord. who died suddenly Thursday. Rev.
Edwin Hart jerks. pastor OF the First
Presbyterian church, which Miss McOord
attended, had charge and spoke from the
text in Matthew xix; "a. ''The maiden Is
not dead. but sleepeth."
After the services at the home. Tween
ty-second and Cass streets. the body was
placed temporarily in a receiving vault In
Forest Lawn cemetery. Later It VIM be
buried at st. Joseph. Mo-. the former
home OF the McCord family.
Omaha daily bee., 1915-12-26
SANTA CLAUS COMES
HERE ON A VISIT
Jolly Old Man Plays the Glad Game
and Distributes Presents to Gas
Co. Employees Children.
CIGARS FOR ALL THE MEN

The children of the Omaha Gas
company's employees had an oppor-
tuniuty to see old Santa Claus right
at home and at work in his toy shop.
1t was the annual Christmas enter
tainment given by the company at
Washington hall. The scene was the
north pole with great icebergs and a
couple of polar bears and there sat
Santa asleep in front Of his work
bench.
Eight little brownies came tiptoeing
In TO music and went through evolu-
tons before the sleeping Santa, Then
they gathered around him and began
to sing and suddenly he woke up. He
Jumped up. patted each brownie on the
back and then, on request OF one. sang
a song for them. dancing around while
he sang. Then he pointed to the clock.
Time was precious and he didn't have
quite all the toys finished. So he put
the brownies TO work helping him. They
worked on all kinds of things and soon
they were done. Then Santa hurried
into his coat and cap ana put his pack
on his back and down went the curtain.
Down the Chimney.
Tho next scene showed him coming
down the chimney into a good child's
room and filling the stockings. The
boys and girls in the audience held
their breath with interest. william e.
Davis, South Omaha manager. filled
the role OF the good saint. And after
all this came the distribution Of pres
ents. All the children had tickets and
they gathered around the place where
the gifts were given and every one was
made happy with a gift and also candy.
There we're cigars for the men and candy
and other presents for the women.
II was the twelfth Christmas enter
tainment given by the company to its
employees. Nearly 800 were present. A
program preceded the little drama and
the gift giving. A Christmas tree that
touched the ceiling was brightly illum-
mated.
Gold Medal TO Wood.
G. w. clabaugh. vice president Of the
company. presided and introduced Rev.
T. J. Mackay. who delivered an address.
Harry Disbrow sang Song Of Thanks
giving" and later rendered "Loch Lo-
mond,' and had to respond to an en-
core.
Little Fredericka Campbell gave a de-
hghtful recitation "Bess and Santa
Claus" and c. Regnier Davis played a
cornet solo. THE Palms"
An impressive part OF the program was
the presentation OF a gold medal TO
Harry Wood for long and faithful serv-
ice The company presents a gold medal
each Christmas to the employe who has
been in the eompany's service the long
est Mr. Woods record OF continuous
service dates from 1880 The presenta-
tion speech was by Vice-President CIa-
bsugh Mr. Wood responded with words
OF thanks and appreciation.
Omaha daily bee., 1915-12-26
Prosecuted Without
Any Title Whatever

SAN FRANCISCO. Dec s5-whether
baron or just a man was indicted
here for use Of the mails TO incite muir
der. arson and for attempted Interior
enee with foreign commerce. was an Is,
sue raised here today.
Counsel for Baron George Wilhelm vou
Brincken. enc OF three so indicted. OBJ
jected. and askcd that lieutenant" h
substituted for baron" In the indici.
ment
Wen, we'll sweep away all titles ana
prosecute hun as George Wilhelm sea
Brincken." said Judge Maurice 7. Doe
ling. before whom the matter came "a
In the United States district court
Omaha daily bee., 1915-12-26
Gold and Turkeys
For Store Employees

Each employe OF Beaton & Later was
presented with an envelope containing a
card with the Christmas greetings and a
s. gold piece.
Christmas turkeys were distributed as
usual to the employees Of the Richardson
Drug company. This has been the GUS
tom OF the house for the last twenty
years or more.
new crisp S bill was given 10 every
one OF the employees OF Hastings & Hey
den as a token OF the appreciation OF
the efforts 81 the employees in making
1915 a success.
Omaha daily bee., 1915-12-26
Death Call Comes to
Miss Martha Parratt

Miss Martha Parratt. for many years
q teacher In the public schools of this
city. died Friday afternoon at the home
Of her brOthsr-in-law. John Bamford.
ts1a Dodge street
Miss Paratt had been N for the last
five weeks. She h survived by two sis
teTs, Mrs. Il. p. Rose and Mrs. A a
kruse. and by two brothers. =. ]. par
raft OF Los Angeles. Cal. and John M
Parrett OF this city.
She was well beloved BY all who knew
her and leaves a host OF friends. Funeral
arrangements viii b announced later
Omaha daily bee., 1915-12-26
TWO HIeHWAYMEN SEARCH
DELIVERY WAGON FOR TURK

After two highwsymen had searched
the pockets OF Lynn St. Claire. delivery
boy for the Elmer Johnson grocery at
Twenty-ninth and Leavenworth, they d.
rected their attention to the wagon.
''six-bits Amt very much. sonny" de-
clared the highwaymen. 'Y' amt rot a
couple o. turkeys back there IN the
wagon. have your
81. Claire replied In the negative. but
the highwaymen insisted on looking for
themselves.
Omaha daily bee., 1915-12-26
SKI AMBULANcES OFF
TO THE FRONT OF WAR

PARIS. Dec. z5.-The new ski Rmbu-
lance section Of the French army, organ
ized by II. H. Haries. left today for
the Alpine mountain front The new
section was formed with the object OF
carrying the wounded over the SHOWS OF
the winter ON ski sleds instead OF en-
ploying mules as formerly. The section
comprises twenty-five skis In charge Of
nifty men. among whom are many
Americans ana Norwegians who are cap
tanned BY Herman Webster OF Chicago.
Omaha daily bee., 1915-12-26
HERE IS THE NEW Won
BlhDENBURG TARIFF BILL

aEBh.EE-ly1a London)-Dec. 8.-Field
hesF<issss gss Hindsnburg has proclaimed
e seS tariff feT Russian Poland. which
shoss many sreat reductions from the
Russian tariff Leather. for instance
Is reduced from - marks per metric
hundredvsight 20 20 marks steel plates
from y marks 10 70 pfennlgs 10 8 marks
steel bars from marks % pfennigs to
marks % pfennigs; cutlery from 80
marks 20 20 marks; glassware from 40
marks 10 n MARKS; rice from II marks
70 marks; potato flour from - marks
TO 10 marks. and beeswax from a marks
TO 10 marks.
Omaha daily bee., 1915-12-26
ChOkes to Death
While Eating Meat

While eating a small piece OF steak in
Louis Beatty's "Uneeda Quick Lunch" at
il5 North Fifteenth. early last night,
John Hall. stone mason, aged 10. who
rooms at 1921 Davenport street. choked
to death when a piece OF the meat
lodged in his windpipe.
He was sitting at the counter. and
customers were eating on both sides OF
him when he suddenly fell forward on
his face.
DR.. w. F. Leary was called in but the
man was dead before the obstacle In his
throat could be removed.
Coroner Crosby was unable 10 learn
anything OF his relatives last night.
Omaha daily bee., 1915-12-26
KAISER AT HOME
ON CHRISTMAS EYE
Indisposition Of Emperor Enables
Him to Attend Family Tree
Celebration.
STAGED IN BIG PALACE HALL

BERLIN (via London). Dec. %.
Emperor william this year, be-
cause of his indisposition, was able
to spend Christmas with his family
at Potsdam. A slight inflammation
Of the cellular tissues" about which
no further bulletin has been issned'
confines him to his apartments, but
not to bed, and he was able to attend
the celebration Of the Hohenzollern
family Christmas tree. or rather
Christmas trees which entertain
ment as usual was held this Christ
mas eve in the big hall in the new
palace.
The emperor. empress, their daughter,
their daughters-in-law and grandchildren
each had an individual Christmas tree,
graduated IN size. on which his or her
gifts were arranged and also gifts for
the sons unable to leave the front.
Before the family Christmas tree cele-
bration at the palace each princess at
tended Christmas exercises and later su-
perintended the distribution Of gifts at
public celebrations held under her spe-
cial patronage.
Nation IL Cheerful.
Germany Is celebrating the second
war Christmas under the worst con.
ceivable climatic conditions. snow has
been steadily falling throughout the en-
tire empire for a week. giving every
promise OF a white Christmas but a
twenty-four-hours' rain has converted
the yuletide snow mantle to deep mud
and slush.
In spirit, however. the nation Is max
ing OF Il a cheerful Christmas. En-.
couraged by the long record of German
victories and the satisfactory conclusion
OF the Serbian camping and having
made up their minds there In no imme
date prospects Of peace. the people gen
orally seem determined to ignore thu
probability OF an indefinite continuation
OF the war and minor discomforts. such
as bread cards and other food regula
tione. and will celebrate the great Ger
man festival in the traditional spirit.
A large proportion OF the nations man
hood, Of course. will observe the day Il
the trenches and bombproofs. Last yea
almost every dugout and shelter had Il
dwarfed but gaily decorated Christina
tree and the men received Christina
gifts and other cheer from home. \
similar condition will prevail tomorrow
Return for Holiday.
The army authorities this year hav,
been most liberal In granting Christina
furloughs and thousands of veteranl
Will spend Christmas with their families
For a week past the streets of Berlin
and Of other cities have been crowded
with returning soldiers dreSsed In their
war-worn uniforms.
All the merchants report that they
have had a good Christmas trade. The
dealers in iewelry and other luxuries say
they have very nearly sold out their
wares. and the stocks Of the expensive
florists and oonfectioners are almost dc.
ploted. The toy dealers and the estab-
lishments patronized by the masses also
have done an exceptional business dur
ing December. which IL considered Ia
show there is no appreciable scarcity OF
money.
Omaha daily bee., 1915-12-26
AMERICA ASKA DATA
ON JAP SHIP SINKING
State Department Begins Inquiry
Concerning Torpedoing Of
Yasaka Maru.
MAY CoMPL1cATE SITUATION

WASHINGTON, Dec. 25.-The
state department today began an In
quiry into the sinking in the Mediter-
ranean Of the Japanese liner Yasaka
Maru by cabling the American con-
sular agent at Port Said, Egypt, to
gather and forward promptly all
available details.
Prompt action followed receipt OF
unofficial reports that the vessel had
been -torpedoed by an Austrian sub
marine without warning, thereby en-
dangering the life of an American
citizen who was on board.
Should official verification of the re-
ports be received the matter will be
made the subject OF further diplomatic
correspondence with Austria-FIungary.
Officials made no attempt TO conceal the
fact that the sinking of the Yasaka
Maru under the alleged circumstances
would seriously compllcate the negotia-
lions over the sinking Of the italian
steamship Ancona, which already threat
ened to result in the breaking off OF
diplomatic relations.
Eases the Tension.
Baron Erich zweidinek, charge Of the
Austro-Hungarian embassy here, is un-
derstood to have told Secretary Ian
sing, during an informal conference, that
in preparing reply to the second Amer
lean note the Vienna foreign office would
be guided by concern for the good re
lations at present existing with the
United States government. This tended
to ease somewhat the existing tension,
though there was no Indication that
Austria had decided TO comply with the
demands Of the United States for dis
avowal. punishment of the commander
OF the submarine and reparation by the
payment OF indemnity for the Americans
killed or injured
The United States does not contem.
plate entering into extended diplomatic
exchanges over the Ancona case. Unless
some good reason presents itself for
further negotiations the United States, Il
is said, will consider as final the reply
TO It's second note. which Baron Zweid-
inek informed Secretary Lansing today
probably would arrive some time before
Wednesday.
Has No Information.
During his call upon Mr.. Lansing the
charge was understood to have discussed
informally the press dispatches concern
Ing the sinking Of the Yasaka Maru.
However. he had no information to i'm
part
The state department cabled instruc-
lions for a report to Edward I.yell
Bristow, consular agent at Port Said.
press dispatches having reported that
the survivors. including the American
citizen, had been landed there.
inc department also expects that in
tormauon regarding the sinking of the
Vessel may come from diplomatic or
consular representatives In other places.
t perucuieriy Paris French gunboat
having rescued the survivors.