davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Imperial Valley press., 1915-03-05
(By Ed l.. Keen)

London, March 5.-The Russian
Black Sea fleet of 6 battleships, 2
protected cruisers and a number of
smaller vessels, is steaming along the
east coast of Turkey intending to
strike Constantinople through the Bos-
phorus, according to Rome dispatches
The fleet was sighted off Burghas,
125 miles from the Bosphorus and 140
from Constantinople. The admiralty
refuses to confirm the report, but it
is known that the Russians have been
searching for days for the Turkish
fleet, which has disappeared from Ma
CARA Roads. Whether the Turkish
fleet is steaming to meet the Russians
or is fleeing for safety is not known.
1t is reported the Russians are en-
deavorng to reach Constantinople be-
fore the Allies can break through the
Dardanelles. Rome advices add that d
French squadron has destroyed the
principal Dardanelles forts near Bu-
lair, Caltipoli peninsula.
Aviators are maneuvering over the
forts, signaling the range, and The
garrisons have lost heavily. The
French are endeavoring to land par
ties and seize the railroad to Bulair.
The British continue to pound the
forts of Kilid Bahr and Chanak. Ad-
miral Gardf, commanding, is conf
dent the forts will crumbe within 43
hours.
The admiralty has warned the pub
lie that the hardest part of the battle
yet remains.
Imperial Valley press., 1915-03-05

1t is learned that the desert country
of the Southwest is developing a new
industry which may prove of immense
value. This is the growing of the
tepary bean. This is native of the
mountains of the Southwest which is
supposed to have been first cultivated
by the lost race which once practiced
irrigation in Arizona. The bean first
came to the attention of the white
man when grown by the Pima and
Papago Indians of Arizona, and now
the agricultural experiment station of
the University of Arizona has been
making tests of the bean and finds it
has wonderful productive power. Here
are figures that the University has
given out of production, compared
with pink beans, in pounds per acre:
Yuma, 1909, spring irrigation, pink
233, tepary, 1850 :.
Yuma, 1909, fall irrigation, pink
24O, tepary 2050.
Yuma. 1910, spring irrigation, pink
1873, tepary 2370.
Yuma, 1910, fall irrigation, pink
1860, tepary 1920.
Imperial Valley press., 1915-03-05

For some time J. G. Bray has been
anxious to work out plans for an in
dustrial school for colored young peo-
pie of Southern California similar to
Booker T. Washington's school at Tus-
kegee, Ala, and many white people
in Ell Centre have been interested in
the project and have been anxious to
render assistance.
To initiate the work, conference
was held last evening at the residence
of E. F. Howe, at which Mr. Bray
and number of his colored friends,
and 6 prominent white citi-
zens were present.
1t was decided to select some per-
son from Imperial county to act with
others to be selected in other coun-
ties of Southern California as an ad-
visory board, until a permanent or
ganization can be effected and the
school Incorporated. To fill this po-
sition Mayor A. w. Swanson was Sc
lected
Imperial Valley press., 1915-03-05
10000 Club Celebrates
Annual Reciprocity Day

County Federation, spoke on the i'm
portance of cooperation among the
clubs of the valley.
Miss Dorothea Nath, a member of
the High School faculty, gave a short
talk on "Folk Dancing which was
followed By several exhibitions by the
High School girls. Mrs. Mayflower
rendered 2 delightful piano solo, which
was followed by vocal solo by Mrs.
phila Pattis-FoX.
Upon adjournment Of the business
session, the women enjoyed an infor-
NAL social hour al Masonic hall. where
delicious refreshments were served by
the hoseesses. Among those at the
meeting We're:
Calexico Improvement Club-Mrs.
Fritz Kloke, Mrs. Ivan Ralston, Mrs.
J. F. Mayer Mrs. ]. NJ Edmunds, Mrs
w. F. Smith, Mrs. lie Roy Little. Mrs.
o. P. Hyde, Mrs. L. G. Ferrell. Mrs.
}. G. Becker, Mrs. H. II. Griswold,
Mrs. A. c. Wright, Mrs G. Brown,
Mrs. r. L. Glasby.
Brawley Woman's Club-Mrs. r. e.
Bartlett, Mrs. w T. Randall, Mrs. w.
\. Servoss, Mrs. D. {. Huddle5ton.
Holtville Club-Mesdame r. f..
Smith, w. I Huebner. A. NJ. Will
liams, W. Fl. Yimp, ]. r. Wimp, E. w.
Toney, c. F. iley, Oda Fahring, Goff
aDl Leon Ho-hert; Miss Knox.
Calipatria 6.ua-Mrs. c. w. Brown,
Mrs. Il. Mosher
Feber Progress CIub-Mrs. Beers,
Mrs. Tepps. Mrs. Schultz. Mrs.
O'Mara. Mrs. Dineman. Mrs. Hill, Mrs.
Gavin, Mrs. Brock, Mrs. Gebbe, Mrs.
Swerdsfeger.
Imperial Woman's Club-Mrs. ].
Bezdecheck, Mrs. J. K. Stevenson. Mrs.
NJ. Storm Mrs. J. p Bauder, Mrs. II.
II. Hastings.
Imperial Valley press., 1915-03-05
DIRECTORS ENDORSE
ROAD COMMITTEE

Approving the action that has been
taken by the Good Roads committee,
the directors of the Imperial Valley
Chamber of Commerce at meeting
last night endorsed the movement and
instructed the legislative committee,
composed of Phil Brooks of Holtville
Sam Mack of Imperial and Attorney
j. F. Seymour of FL Centre, to pre-
pare petition preparatory to calling
a bond election.
According to Attorney Seymour, un-
der whose direction the petition will
be drawn up, the document will out
line the work to be done and the
amount of the bond issue necessary
to carry on the work.
The petition probably will not be
COMPLETED for more than week, ac-
cording to Attorney Seymour, who
stated this morning that great care in
preparation will be necessary,
as any error in the document, should
the bonds be carried, would render
them invalid.
For the second time since the re-
cent formation of the Imperial Valley
Chamber of Commerce, with represen-
tatives from each town in the county,
a delegation from Calipatria was pres
ent at directors meetinp. The new
representatives from the North End
who were present at the meeting last
night are Curtiss Mann and DR.. Lind
say.
Others present were: John T. Cole
land. inland; Phil Brooks, Holtville;
r. L. Rumsey, FL Centro, and L. J.
Thomas, Imperial.
Imperial Valley press., 1915-03-05
Casualty Insurance Cases
Are Being Heard Today

Two cases Of damages for accidents
are being heard in the valley today
by H. H. Kinney, secretary of the
Los Angeles office of the California
Industrial Accident Commission. Both
show the great value to laboring peo-
pie Of the work of the state in this
respect.
In one case J. J. Anderson appears
against the Imperial Valley Oil and
Cotton Company, whose employees are
insured by the Maryland Casualty
Company, which latter company must
bear any damages assessed. While
working about machine a bolt was
driven through Anderson's arm and as
a result of the injuries he has already
Imperial Valley press., 1915-03-05
Boys Recaptured.

Stockton, Cal, March 5.-Five Of
the eleven boys who participated in a
break from the Preston School of In
dustry at lone have been captured.
Silvia Taylor, the first captured, was
arrested near Clements today by State
Officer Watts of lone. During the
night, it is stated, Taylor broke into
George Chase's farmhouse, near
Lancha Plana, Amador county, and
stole a shotgun, box of shells and
a supply of provisions. Taylor was
carrying the shotgun and also re-
volver when taken.
Imperial Valley press., 1915-03-05

drawn S675 damages. Whether he will
get further damages depends on the
showing whether the injuries are of
a permanent nature. The hearing of
this case is set for 1880 this even
ing.
The other case grows out of an ac-
cident at the septic tank of the I'M
perial sewer system when three men
fell into the tank, two dying and the
third becoming insane, from which
he has only temporarily recovered. In
this case Ellen, Ella and Eva McGill,
dependents of Calhoun, one of the
dead men, seek damages from the
City of Imperial. This case is being
heard at the city hall in Imperial this
afternoon
Imperial Valley press., 1915-03-05
Mysterious Visitants
Evaporate in Thin Air

Where, oh where, is that mysterious
party Of Riverside and Los Angeles
visitors who were feasted and petted
in Brawley night before last, but who
were apparently anxious not to meet
the people of FL Centre
Supervisor Shepard was apparently
the only resident of this region who
was at all taken into their confidence,
and he only in part.
From Brawley the party passed
through FL Centre early yesterday
morning bound for the sandhills, and
were escorted a part of the way by
Mr.. Shepard. 1t was his understand
ing that they would return here last
evening, but only vague rumors have
obtained regarding them. These are
Imperial Valley press., 1915-03-05

to the effect that portion of the
party had reached Brawley in the
wee hours this morning, having re-
turned by way of Mammoth Wash,
where they had difficulties, and that
the other members of the party had
been stranded there more seriously
and had gradually evaporated in the
thin and chilly night air of the des-
ert.
The pains which was apparently tax
en- to prevent the people of the valley,
outside of Brawley, knowing of their
intended movements, gives to the Wis
itation a sinister aspect which is not
encouraging to those who have felt
that at last all parties might be
brought into harmony.
Imperial Valley press., 1915-03-05

three weeks from the end of the con-
test, yet many careless advisers today
tell candidates that the prizes were
won by workers, or that those who
did we'll during the progress of the
contest We're swamped by others on
the last day. All of those four won
prizes worth in excess of $3.50. Not
one of them is even reported to have
spent that much money in the contest.
No new contestant entered after Feb
ruary 27 last year. The six leaders
of that date were the six CHIEF Win
ners on March 2l. 1914.
$4,000 Extra Votes.
All who turn in a total Of five years
in new subscriptions, each Of which
must be for a period of at least six
months, before Saturday, March &, will
be awarded a bonus of 10000 extra
votes. This offer may be won more
than once by the same contestant. New
subscriptions turned in prior to the
did not count toward the last bonus
vote offer, will count toward this one.
Scores.
Miss Lille Kissee, star route,
El Centre ..............22 22S.550
Mrs. Edith Hancock, FL Ceutro.20g,950
Miss Zelia f. Webb. CaleXico POS, 500
Miss Mable Padgett, San Diego
road ......... ..................2 205,S $50
Miss Bertie :. Clements, FL
Centre NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.. ..192.3OO
Mrs. Robert Moore, IT Cenuo.16745O
Miss Leah N. Wilson. Fl Centre 5G, 400
Mrs. Vaughn Azhderian, Melo-
land Observation-Disclosures. 2720O
Miss Grace Holdzkom. Impe-
rial ..................... 1890
Miss Dorothy Meserve. Brawley 10.050
Miss Ruth Donahue, CaleXico 1850
Mrs. Clarence Folks, Calipatria 7,150
Miss Blanche Randolph. Braw-
ley ....................... 600
MRS. Percy Thacker. FL Centre 5,4OO
Miss Marjorie Brewer, El Centre $3.50
Mrs. Bert Goodwin. Calipatria. 5000
Miss Suza Paige, Alamorio. -. 5.15O
Miss Hida Bennett. Brawley. $3.50
Miss Maud Case, Holtville. -. 4,e50
Voting Power nf Subserintiops
Imperial Valley press., 1915-03-05
Allies Opening Road
Toward C0nstatinOple

ported to the admiralty today that he
believed his vessel had rammed and
sunk submarine in the English chan
mel. The admiralty announced that
an examination of the keel of the
steamer Thordis confirms the captains
claim that he had rammed and sunk
a submarine. The captain was award
ed the prize offered by shipping
neWSpaper.
Imperial Valley press., 1915-03-05
French ReDulSe.

Berlin. March 5 (Wireless via Say
ville)-French attacks from Ypres to
the Vosges have been repulsed, as
have been British attempts to retake
the Lorette Hills. In the Champagne
district, near lie Meanwhile, also at
Badonviller, and Vauquois and in the
woods near Consenvoye, east of the
Meuse river, French attacks have been
repulsed. Renewed Russian attacks
near Plock were unsuccessful and a
night attack on Swerniewice also
failed. This is the official statement
today.
Imperial Valley press., 1915-03-05
DISCORD COMES
FROM SILENT FLUTE

Almost year ago Tom Ford a
musician formerly in the employ of a
local theatre, borrowed musical in
strument from the collection owned by
the city. Time went on and the city
forgot about the loan. So did Ford.
Recently the city remembered This
is the story Deputy Sheriff f. E
Cummings is telling after his return
from Los Angeles, where he succeeded
in locating Ford.
Armed with a warrant sworn to by
an Ell Centro official, Cummings, ac-
companied by a Los Angeles county
deputy sheriff, located Ford and pre-
sented him with the warrant. Ford
declared the instrument, through in
advertance, had not been returned.
He was taken to the Los Angeles
jail, where further Interrogation dis
closed the fact that he had left the
instrument in a theatre in this city
Cummings called the local sheriff's Of
flee over the phone and informed
the officers of the facts. A reply a
few minutes later assured him that
the instrument had been found, but it
was minus the mouthpiece.
Then Cummings was instructed tC
return Ford to this county unless the
whereabouts of the missing mouth
piece was divulged. Cummings re-
peated to Ford his conversation with
officers here and then Ford suddenly
remembered that the mouthpiece had
been left in a room in the Backing.
ton building, where he formerly had
lived.
Once more Cummings resorted to
the long distance phone and few
minutes later was notified that the
sought after piece of the instrument
had been located. Ford was released
Imperial Valley press., 1915-03-05
Presidents Projected Visit.

Washington, March 5.-The White
House was deluged with protests
against the suggestion that the pres
ident might abandon his trip to the
eXpositions because of the interna-
tional situation. The president will
decide definitely in few days.
TO Represent President.
Washington, March 5.-Vice Presi-
dent Marshall may be chosen to rep
resent President Wilson at the San
Francisco exposition, March %, it was
learned today.
Imperial Valley press., 1915-03-05
Fatal Hotel Fire.

Minneapolis, March 5.-Three per-
sons are missing and are believed to
be dead, and seven were injured, as
result of fire sweeping the Astoria
hotel today. Twenty persons were
carried from the burning building by
firemen. The missing are Mrs. Heieit
Smith, aged -, and two unidentified
onasts The loss WIS $50 600
Imperial Valley press., 1915-03-05
First Teams for Levee
Cross the Line TODAY

with the directors of the district to-
day, and outlined the organization he
is working out for handling the men
and teams on the levee work.
The Walker Construction Company
will have the largest individual force
of men and teams on the job, with
12O mules. The hauling will be done
by c. f. Gillett of Holtville.
Imperial Valley press., 1915-03-05
Cashier Arresfed

Theresa, Wis, March 5.-William f.
Brieman, cashier of the Theresa State
Bank, was arrested today for alleged
embezzlement of between $4,000 and
100000 of the institutions funds. It
is alleged he lost the money in specu-
latiOn.
Imperial Valley press., 1915-03-05
Many Bodies Recovered.

Hinton, w. Va, March 5. Eighty
seven bodies had been recovered from
the Layland mine up to today. The
mine was wrecked by an explosion a
few days ago. 1t is generally ac-
cepted that all remaining miners are
dead.
Imperial Valley press., 1915-03-05
Six Submarines Sunk.

London, March 5.-The admiralty
stated today that five German sub
sunk since the beginning of the war.
These include the U15, us and three
others which were not identified. Cap
tain Wyatt of the steamer Alston re-
Imperial Valley press., 1915-03-05
ITALY EXPERIENCES
EARTHQUAKE

Florence, Italy, March Bologna
and Leghorn reported strong earth
quakes during the night. Residents
were thrown into panic, but only lit
tie damage was done.
Imperial Valley press., 1915-03-05

The first teams for work on the
levees in Mexico crossed the line to-
day, bein" bonded in the Mexican GUS
tom house, and other teams will follow
in rapid succession, until there are 300
horse teams at work, the moving of
dirt beginning Monday.
General Manager and Chief Engi-
,eer C., r. lockwood was in conference
Imperial Valley press., 1915-03-05
Six Popular Candidates
Have Hosts of Friends
POSSIBLE THAT ALL SIN NAY WIN $1,000 EXTRA VOTES BY
MORROW NGHT-AI.L SIX CERTAIN OF BIG PRIZES IN
-FOUR WEEkS-MHLCH Will WIN AUTO?
WILL THESE BETHE-WINNERs?

ne table Shows who Would win the
tho na1atnct nalnl tn.In,..
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1915-06-16

sergeant. Back of him was Coroner
GOldberger. whom l had met in two
previous cases, while the third counte-
nance. looking at me with quizZical
smile. was that of Jim Godfrey. the
Records star reporter. The fourth
man was policeman in uniform. who
at a word from Simmonds took his
station ut the door.
What is it?' asked Godfrey.
Just a suicide. | think" and | I'M
locked the door into the room where
the dead man lay.
Simmonds. Godberger and Godfrey
stepped inside. | followed and closed
the door.
Nothing has been disturbed" ] said.
mo one has touched the body"
SimmOnds nodded and glanced in
quiringIy about the room. but God
freys eyes | noticed. were on the face
of the dead man. Godberger dropped
to his knees beside the body. looked
into the eyes and touched his fingers
TO the left wrist. Then he stood erect
again and looked down ut the body,
and as | followed his gaze ! noted its
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1915-06-16
CHAPTER I.
The First Tragedy.


TT ELLo" l said as took down
I'D the receiver of my desk
phone in answer to the call.
lis that you. Lester?" ask
ed Philip vantine's voice.
Eyes. So you're back again.!
scot in yesterday. Can you come
ND to the house and lunch with me to-
day."
'I'n be glad to- said and meant
It, for | liked Philip Vantine.
It'll look for you, then. about | 30
And that is how it happened that an
hour later l was walking over toward
Washington square. just above which.
on the avenue. the old Vantine man.
sion stood. It was almost the last sur
vivaI of the old regime. for the tide OF
business had long since overlooked
from the neighboring streets into the
avenue.
Philip Vantine had been born in the
house where he still lived and declared
that he would die there. He had no
one but himself to please in the matter.
since he was unmarried and lived
alone. and he mitigated the increasing
roar and dust of the neighborhoOd by
long absences abroad.
Vantine was about fifty years af age,
the posseSSOr of a comfortable fortune.
something of a cOnnOiSseur in art mat
tiers. a collector of old furniture. His
reasons for remaining single in no way
concerned his lawyers. a position
which our firm had held for many
wears. and the active work of which
had come gradually into my hands
He came forward TO meet me. and
we shook hands heartily.
Its plain to see that the trip did
you good" | said.
yes" he agreed: II never felt more
ut. But come along: we can talk at
table. There's little difficulty | want
you to untangle fOr me.
l followed him upstairs TO his study,
where 4 table laid for two had been
placed near low window.
Il had lunch served up here" Van
tine explained. rs we sat down. be
cause this is the only really pleasant
room left in the house.
He paused and glanced about the
room Every piece of furniture in it
was the work of master
Il suppose you found some new
things while you were away" said.
.'YeS-and its that ] wanted TO talk
TO Won about I brought back six or
eight pieces I'll show them to you
presently. They are all pretty good.
and one is thing of beauty. It's
more than that-it'S an absolutely
rpioue work Of art. Only. unfOrtu-
nately. it isn't mine"
1T isn't yours"
mo and | don't know whose it Is.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1915-06-16
CHAPTER n.
The Wounded Hand.

- was swollen and darkly discoi-
ored.
See there!'' said Simmonds.
Something bit him. And he
pointed to two deep inciSions on the
back of the hand just above the
knuckles. from which few drops of
blood had oozed and dried.
With little exclamation of surprise
and excitement Godfrey bent for an
instant above the injured hand. Then
he turned and looked at us.
"This man didn't take poison" he
said in IL low voice. He was killed."
At the words we drew together a
little with SILVER of repulsion.
Goldberger. taking deep breath.
voiced the thought which had sprung
into my own brain.
why. it looks like snake bite!" he
said. his voice sharp with astonish-
ment.
The quick glance which all of us cast
about the room was. OF course. as in
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1915-06-16
PROLOGUE.

/ RROLOCOEs
ia literary miner we're TO APP
praise this story he would say
of it:
1T pans out a big percentage
of thrills"
There's pay dirt" in this nr3s-
ferry story for every lover of an
exciting tale and an interesting
plot. 1t is one of the master
pieces of IFS author, who is a rec
ognized leader in the field of the
detective story.
Round a beduftf fully iTlloid cab
met dating from the days of
Louis XIV. which stands in a
Fifth ave71ue mansion wedves a
story of plot and counterpart,
mystery, suspense and surprise.
Jim Godfrey, shrewdest of re-
porters, and the detective bu-
reous of New York and Paris are
trying to unraVeI fhe infricGtely
entongled cIews. And the read
er, too, will go along with them,
breathIess and absorbed, getting
now a hint, again coming up
against a blank wall, until, like
them, he comes to the amazing
explanation. And the one who
battles reporters, detectives and
readers is Croch0rd, The f1vfncf-
bic, a creation in detective ffc-
tion.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1915-06-16

voluntary as the chill which ran up
our spines.
mo; | don't think it was a snake"
said Godfrey and again bent close
above the hand Smell it, Mr.. Gold
berger" he added.
The coroner put his nose close to the
hand and shifted.
Bitter almondsT' he said.
(which means prussic acid" said
Godfrey. land not snake poison" He
fell silent a moment. his eyes on the
swollen hand. ut might. of course.
have been self inflicted" he added,
quite to himself.
"A man doesn't usually commit sui
eide by sticking himself in the hand
with fork" Goldberger said.
NO" agreed Godfrey blandly. "but
would point out that we don't know
as yet that it IL case of suicide. and
I'm quite sure that, whatever it may
be. it isn't usual"
did any reporter for the Record
ever find case that was usual?"
Queried the coroner.
1t was a shrewd thrust and one that
Godfrey might we'll have WINGED under.
He himself had been accused more than
once of a too Iuxuriant Imagination 1t
was perhaps realization of this which
had persuaded him years before to
quit the detective force and take serv
ice with the Record What might
have been u weakness i'll the first posi-
ton was a mighty asset in the latter
one and he had won an immense sue
cess.
Please understand that set this
down in no spirit of criticism | had
known Godfrey intimately. ! admired
sincerely his ready wit, his quick in
sight and his unshakable aplomb. His
former connection with the police and
his careful maintenance of the friend
ships formed at that time gave him an
entree to places denied TO less fortu-
nate reporters. ! had never known
him to do a dishonOrable thing. More
over, 2 lively sense of humOr made him
an admirable companion.
We've got our living to make. you
estIy as we can. What do you think.
SimmOnds?"
II think" said Simmonds. who. if
he possessed an imagination. never
permitted it to be suspected. that
those little cuts on the hand are mere
~ an accident. They might have been
caused in half a dozen ways. Maybe
he hit his hand on something when he
fell: maybe be jabbed it on a buckle:
maybe he had d boil OD his hand and
lanced it with his knife"
What killed him. then?" Godfrey
demanded.
Poison. and it's in his stomach.
Well find it there"
How about the odor?' Godfrey per-
sisted
"He spilled some Of the poison on his
hand rs he lifted it to his mouth. May
be he had those cuts on his hand and
the poison infamed them. Or may
be he's got some kind of blood dis
ease"
GOldberger nodded his approval. and
Godfrey smiled rs he looked 1T him.
u suppose you think this fellow was
murdered?" said the coroner That's
what you said minute ago"
perhaps | was little hasty." God
frey admitted. and | suspected that.
whatever his thoughts. he had made
up lis mind to keep them to himself.