davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1916-03-24

yelled himself hoarse trying to warn
him off. But instead of stopping
Storm fought his way back through
the smoke to the second car. The
trainmen fastened into the station
to the operator and gave the alarm.
The operator telephoned a message
instantly to Signal, the next station.
The agent had gone over to the
camp, and 1t was this message that
caught Helen at Signal, alone in the
office. She picked up the receiver as
the telephone bell rang, listened to
the excited operator and wrote his
hurried words down on a pad:
Runaway powder cars on fire. En-
gineer Storm on them. Ditch at first
spur"
She dropped her pencil as she fin
ished, breathless with shock. Then
pulling her wits together she cast
about for help. She was quite alone.
Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1916-03-24

the door n~oiselessly OPEN. Hardly a
moment after the jailer and Seagrue
had left Hyde's cell, Spike walked
boldly up the corridor-his venue of
escape was open.
In Helen's home two days practi-
cally completed the rapid tragedy of
her changed circumstances. Her maid,
whom she told she could no longer
keep, had gone in tears-and the coun-
had been given over with furnishings
to creditors. Vans stood backed up
in the front driveways and the library
itself, scene of her cruelest misfor-
tunes, was being dismantled by NOV
ing men on the morning that Rhine
lander met her there for the last time
to discuss her future.
You are stubborn he insisted,
taking her hand tenderly. Il like in
dependence-anybody does. 1t Is
gritty; it is American and it's all
right in a. ,ace. But under such cir
with me, as / want you to, to my
home. You will be a welcome
daughter to my wife and to me. You
know we are unhappily childless. Your
father would have wished this; my
wife has asked it of you as l do
now. Why persist in refusing u.s."
Helen did not answer at once,
though her gratefulness shone from
her eyes. I'm not merely obstinate,
Uncle Amos" she responded at length
nor ungrateful. 1 have thought
everything over, or, so long and care
fully. But l can't help feeling that I
must, for a while, anyway, remain
independent. 1 intend to earn my
own living"
Rhinelander felt he could say no
more. They discussed other things
for a time and she then confided to
him her plans for making a start.
Nothing in all the rapid events of the
fortnight had seemed to him more
tragical than this resolve that his old
friends daughter had so resolutely
taken. He looked almost weary and
troubled as he took from his pocket
book a card and on it wrote the mes
sage Helen had asked him to write:
Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1916-03-24

engaged the %jailer's interest. It was
then that Spike, leaning back, nan
aged, undetected, to pass the dough
around the key that opened the lock
of his W cell; in an instant he had
the coveted impression.
A bell warned the jailer hat the
visitors time was up. In parting, the
confederates shook hands. AS they
did SO, Spike slipped the dough, unob-
served, into Seagrue's palm and sue
ceeded in conveying to him by signs
an intimation Of what he had given
him.
Capelle, who had arrived on Sea-
grue's peremptory summons, at the ap-
pointed place, some distance from the
jail, awaited Seagrue there with a
grin: Some expedition you've en-
barked on!"
Seagrue was in no mood for joking.
zone you showed me into" he retort-
crate what had occurred. Then he
drew from his overcoat pocket Spikes
handful of dough, showed 1t to Ca
pelle and explained what 1t was. Have
a key made tonight from this impress
sion; meet me here tomorrow with 1t"
The following afternoon Seagrue
vas again at the jail-this time, os-
tensibly, to visit Hyde. Passing
Spikes cell, a dust coat hanging some
what ostentatiously from his arm. Sea-
grue paused to greet him. In doing
this to took occasion to lay his fin
gers on n of the bars of the cell
door; as he said good morning the new
key dropped from his hand inside the
barred door. Spikes foot at nce COW
cred it. Moving on, Seagrue let fall
from his arm n of the two dust coats
which he was in reality carrying.
Spike, dropping like a cat on his knee,
whipped the fallen garment swiftly in
between the bars, and while Seagrue
and the jailer remained with Hyde,
Spike made a rapid change of clothing.
Slipping into the dust coat he found
in n of the pockets a cap and a pair
of goggles thoughtfully slowed. And
watching his chance for the corridor
to be empty, he cautiously unlocked
his cell door, peered out and swung
Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1916-03-24
THE GIQL Is
THE ~ANE 9fN1
I'LL UArlL HNMs
lASTWRW0 OF HWWGUMDN RAILROAD G0EE
9rFQANk III. SpEARnAN
AUTHOR Oh WHISPERING SMITH" THE MOUNTAIN
DIVIDE STRATEGY OF GREAT RAILROAD" ETC
NOVElHED FROM THE MOVING PICTURE PLAY
OF THE SAME NAME. PRODUCED BY THE SIGNAL
SYNOPSIS.

Little Helen Holmes, daughter of Gen.
eral Holmes, railroad man, Is rescued
from imminent danger on a scenic rail-
road. by George Storm, a newsboy. Grown
tacular double rescue of Storm, now a
freight fireman, and of her father and his
friends, Amos Rhinelander, f1nancier, and
Robert Seagrue. promoter, from a threat
ened collision between a passenger train
and a unaway freight. Safebreakers en-
ployed by Seasrue. and Capelle, his law
yer, interrupted by Helen while steal
ing General Holmes survey plans of the
cutoff line for the Tidewater, fatally
wound General Holmes n escape.
Storm and Helen chase the murderers
on a light engine and capture them.
Spike has hidden the plans and manages
to inform Seagrue where they are cached.
Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1916-03-24


For.
got in his runabout a and started
Tor the San Pablo bridge. He found
the document where Spike had hid
den it.
Helen, in the interval, comforting
with her attorneys, and with Amos
hhinelander at hand to soften the
dow as best he could, was learning
plt by bit the completeness of her IA
IAers financial ruin through his sud
uen death. In matter of fact, all that
remained Of his free assets was the
recently allotted block of stock-now
an Item of merely nominal value-in
'ue new cutof line. Long after the
2'heY mad gone, Rhinelander re-
ai9ed
us no. t! Z the stock is worthless,
N ne said-they were again to-
ef N the library. IF the new
az what your father hoped it
oe'a be, the investment may yet
i"'e OIL The greatest value"
St. Landry clarion. (Opelousas, La.) 1890-1921, 1916-01-01
COLLEGIANS TO STAGE
MERRY MINISTRIES HERE
Grand Coteau Boys Expect to
Play at Sandoz Opera House
Sometime This Month

It has been announced thai
the Merry Minstrels, SO sue.
cessfuIly staged by the St
Charles College boys, at Grand
Coteau on Sunday the 10Th
before an audience Of nearly
four hundred people, will
probably be played in Opelou.
sas at the Sandoz Opera House
sometime during January.
The College boys have OBJ
tanned an enviable reputation
as comedians and the Merry
Minstrels would no doubt be a
great treat to the comedy Low.
ing people of Opelousas.
It will not be learned def.
nitely until after the St
Charles boys return to college,
from their holiday vacation, il
they will play in Opelousas.
St. Landry clarion. (Opelousas, La.) 1890-1921, 1916-01-01
.OPELOUSAS ENJOYS
A QUlEg CHRISTMAS
No Disturbances Are Recorded
Here on Christmas
Day
WEATHER CONDITIONS
COULD BE NO BETTER
AS Usual the Citizens of Ope-
lousas Celebrate Christmas
In A Quiet But Joyous
Manner

Christmas was ideal for the
vast majority Of the people of
this city and parish, weather
conditions being splendid
Families were united for the
first time in a year, or possibly
in several years and all gather
ed around The festive board to
do homage in old Creole fash
ion to the anniversary of the
birth of Jesus Christ.
As usual the temperament
of the celebrants was ideal,
and no disturbances were re-
corded in the city, either on
Christmas Eve or Christmas
day itself; everybody seemed to
be enjoying life in a gay man
ner, but all regarded the ma
jesty of the law.
While many other commune
ties were shocked by terrible
accidents Opelousas was bless
ed with peace and order, with
no casualties, and everybody
was ready to go back to work
on Monday morning, as usual,
although feeling a little lazy
after taking two holidays.
St. Landry clarion. (Opelousas, La.) 1890-1921, 1916-01-01

SCHOOL, RALLY HELD
ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT
PROFESSOR HINES AND ]. w. LEWIS URGE THE TAX
PAYERS TO VOTE IN FAVOR OF THE
SCHOOL MAINTENANCE TAX

ent. They were taken down by
a stenographer, but the papers
were misplaced.
The tax adyocators are not
letting grass grow under their
feet; every member of the
various tax committees in
the city are busy inducing the
taxpayers to vote in favor of
the measure and it is predicted
that the tax will be carried.
A large number Of taxpayers
are wearing buttons with "I'll
vote for the school tax" in
scribed on it.
The election is nearing and
interest is daily being mani
tested in the election. Very
little opposition is expected to
develop during the last week
of the campaign, as a number
of the large taxpayers in the
district have openly expressed
themselves in favor of the tax,
while it is thought that a vast
majority Of the smaller prop
erty owners will not hesitate to
cast their vote for the tax, on
January 11th.
St. Landry clarion. (Opelousas, La.) 1890-1921, 1916-01-01

On last Wednesday night
school tax advocators held q
big rally at the beautiful Ope-
lousas school house for the
purpose of arclsirg still more
interest in the hearts of the
taxpayers in the maintenance
tax, which will be submitted to
u g prope c. W.lers e the
Opelousas School Districts on
January 11th.
Prof. Hines and Hon. John
w. Lewis, Of this city, spoke
to the large audience, assem-
bled in the spacious audito-
rum; both orators made elo-
quent appeals to the taxpayers
in be half of the tax, showing
what a disgrace it would be
for the property owners of
Opelousas to deny their child
rem an opportunity of securing
a nine month school term. The
addresses were we'll received
and made an impression on all
present. We are indeed sorry
that we are unable to print
these speeches for the benefit
of those who were not pres
St. Landry clarion. (Opelousas, La.) 1890-1921, 1916-01-01
WITHHOLD BARREI
MEETINGS IN PARISH
First Of A Series of Meetings
To Be Held at Lawtell
on 4th.
PROMINENT SPEAKERS
WILL TOUR ST. LANDRY
Judge Pavy and Other Infiu-
entail Barret Supporters to
Urge Voters for Barret and
Fontenot

The first of a series of I'M
portant Barret- Fontenot meet
ings, which will be held in this
parish this coming week, will
take place at the Lawteli
school house on Tuesday after
noon, January 4th, at 80
o'clock. A number of pron1i-
nent speakers from Opelousas
will be on hand to urge the
voters of the Mallet and
Plaquemine precincts to vote
for Thomas G. Barret for gov
ernor, and L. Austin FuLtenot,
for lieutenant governor.
Judge B. II. Pavy, District.
Attorney r. Lee Garland and
Hon. Raoul Payy, who are
among the stauncnest Barrett
Fontenot supporters, have
been arranging 10: a series Of
political meetings in various
sections of the parish; they
will take an active part in
making these meetings result
getters.
A meeting had been ar
ranged for Melville for Janl-
ary 18th but on sceoun5 OF thg
fact that Opelousas will kaveH
to vote on the school question
on that day it was decided to
change this date. Il is the.
intention of the Barret-Fonte-
not supporters in st. Landry
| to hold several more meetings
before the Democratic nri-
mary on the 25th.
St. Landry clarion. (Opelousas, La.) 1890-1921, 1916-01-01
NEGRO RoBBER GETS
$35 AT ST. CHARLES
Deputy Sheriff Elmer Tracks
Black to OpeIousas and
Secures His Arrest

Negro by the name of HaW-
kins was arrested in this city
on Monday afternoon by Dep
uty Sheriff O'Brien Elmer, of
Grand Coteau, for having
robbed st. Charles Of $35 on
Sunday night.
Mr.. Elmer claims that the
negro walked into this city
from Grand Coteau early in
the morning to join some
friends. Another black from
Grand Coteau was brought to
show where the negro, Haw-
kins, could be found here,
Hawkins, it is said, is a
sporty" negro and likes good
clothes, which probably &C.
counts for the robbery of St
Charles College las tsunday
night.
St. Landry clarion. (Opelousas, La.) 1890-1921, 1916-01-01
NATIONAL STOCK CO.
TO PLAY TWO NIGHTS
Two Opelouseans Will Be Seen
AT the Sandoz Opera
House Sat. and Sun.

The Fighting Parson is the
first play to be offered by the
National Stock Company,
which opens a two nights
engagement at the Sandoz
Opera House next Saturday
and Sunday, January | and q.
The Fighting Parson is a.
beautiful four act drama, with
a great big spellbinding love
story and powerful, thrilling
dramatic situations and one of
the many reasons why this
company has become national
" famous during the past six
years as the representative
travelling stock company in
America. The Fighting Par
son is a play that appeals to
everyone, the children as well
as the grown ups. Splendid
vaudeville numbers will be
offered between the acts of the
play, making one continuous
performance and doing away
with the usual tiresome waits.
The fact that Mr.. and Mrs.
Thomas Brooks, both natives
of this city, are with the Ma
tional Stock Company, is suf-
ficient to draw a large crowd
to the Fighting Parson. Mr..
and Mrs. Brooks, the latter
being before her wedding Miss
Olga Roos, are prominent
members of the cast and their
hosts of friends in this city
will surely welcome their first
local professional appearance
with delight; they have made
wonderful progress on the
age Of late, Mrs. Brooks hav-
ing shown such decided tai
ents that she has been pro-
noted to the position of lead
ing lady Of the company,
while Mr.. Brooks is principal
comedian and incidentally
half owner of this celebrated
attraction, owing the company
jointly with the well known
eastern actor, Eugene West.
As general admission OF 10
and 25 will be charged.
St. Landry clarion. (Opelousas, La.) 1890-1921, 1916-01-01
MELANCON ANDRUS

A wedding of interest to a
number of friends in this city
of the contracting parties was
that of Miss Rena Andrus and
Mr.. Bernice Melancon, which
was celebrated at the Catholic
presbytery on Tuesday after
noon at 2::30 by Rev. Father
John Engberink. Only init
mate friends and relatives of
the contracting parties were
present.
Miss Andrus is the daughter
of Mr.. and Mrs. J. c.. Andrus
of Branch, who are prominent
citizens of that section of Aca-
dia parish, while the groom is
a native Of Morganza. Mr..
Melancon lived in this city for
several months, being en-
ployed at the Sicily Brothers
bakery. Miss Andrus is a sis
ter to Mrs. Louis Sicily Of this
city.
After the ceremony Mr.. and
Mrs. Melancon departed for
Morganza on visit to the
groom's relatives; they will
be here for a short time, after
which they will depart for
Mission, Texas, where they
will make their home.
St. Landry clarion. (Opelousas, La.) 1890-1921, 1916-01-01
POLITICS becoming
INTERESTING HERE
Voters Are Taking More In
terest in Local Politics
on Eve of Urinary
FoNTENoT' LEADING IN
RACE FOR SHERIFF
EuII Voting Strength of St.
landry Is Expected in
Primary Election on Janu-
ary 25th

More active interest is be.
inc manifested in the ap'
nroaching m election for sheriff
and assessor than ever before
during the present campaign
approximately five thousand
voters have been registered
while it is expected that al.
most that amount will have
paid their poll taxes by the
31st.
It is expected that over
three thousand votes will be
cast, which will be the largest
vote ever cast since the par
ish was divided.
The political, fight appears
to be centered on the candi-
dates for sheriff and assessor
it appears, from reports, that
Darius M. Fontenot will come
into town with a majority
varying from two to three
hundred votes and will most
likely secure The nomination
for sheriff. The three corner
ed race for assessor is proving
not a whit less interesting than
the sheriff fight, Supporters of
all three candidates predict
however that A, L. Andrus
will be in the lead, while the
consensus of opinion seems
divided as to whether Charles
Thibodeaux or Robert Laf1eur
will have to fight it out with
Andrus, in the event that a
second primary Is necessary,
with the chances favoring La
fieur.
Barret supporters claim this
parish by a nice majority,
while it is conceded that Aus.
tin Fontenot, JIM Bailey, 3. @,
Bruner and Paul Capdeville
/ will secure a whooping major.
ity. Fred ]. Grace, who is op-
posed by G. P. Dunbar, of this
city, is being given a good sup
port, by a large number of his
personal friends, but none are
'aaking a fight against the
"home man."
St. Landry clarion. (Opelousas, La.) 1890-1921, 1916-01-01
ST. LANDRY TO GIVE
CAPDEVILLE MAJORITY
Veteran Old Confederate Sol
der Will Receive His
Usual Majority Here

Hon. Paul Capdeyille, who
is seeking reelection as state
auditor, will receive his usual
majority in old St. Landry
parish at the election on the
25th Of this month. Mr.. Cap
deville is one of the states
most trusted officials, having
served as auditor Of Louisiana
for the past eight years, being
elected to that Office after hav-
ing served the city Of New Or
leans as it's chief executive for
a number of years.
Mr.. Capdeville is a Confed-
crate veteran and has always
been a friend of those noble
men, who so valiantly fought
for a lost cause.
The many friends of Mr..
Capdeville in this parish are
rallying to his support all the
voters possible and it would
not be surprising to see this
candidate carry st. Landry by
a three to one vote.
St. Landry clarion. (Opelousas, La.) 1890-1921, 1916-01-01
Opelousean Is Making Splen.
did Headway In Political
Fight-Destined to Win

James Sanders, a resident
of this city for many years,
candidate for one of the three
seats allotted St. Landry in the
Lower House Of the General
Assembly of Louisiana, is one
of the best fitted of the five as
pirants for Offices. He is
young, energetic, popular and
efficient; he is making his
campaign along clean lines
and like Judge Dupre is des-
tined to win in the first pri-
mary.
Mr.. Sanders has been a sue
cessful business man and
would no doubt be a success
full legislator.
That Mr.. Sanders will be
elected is a practical certainty.
Reports from various sections
of St. Landry point to a vic
tory for Judge Dupre and Mr..
Sanders, while the fight for
the other place will rest among
the three g aspirants.
St. Landry clarion. (Opelousas, La.) 1890-1921, 1916-01-01
LAFLEUR-D R-DUPRE

A pretty wedding of inter-
est to a number of people in
the western portion of st. Ian
dry was that of Mr.. Leroy
eLafeur to Miss neona Dupre,
which was solemnized at the
home of the brides parents,
Mr.. and Mrs. Numa Dupre, in
Prairie Ronde, on last Thurs
day afternoon, Rev. Father
John Engberink officiating.
Miss Dupre made a lovely
bride, goWned in a beauti-
full chiffon dress. Mr.. Nestor
Joubert served as best man,
with Miss Elmyre Dupre, sis
ter Of the bride, while Mr.. Der
bes Dupre, served as grooms-
man with Miss Ella Moreau,
of this city as maid.
A large number Of people of
Mallet, Lawtell, Plaquemine,
Prairie Ronde, Plaisance,
Grand Prairie and Opelousas
was present when Father
Engberink completed the knot
which made the two man and
wife.
Mr.. and Mrs. Lafleur will
make their home at Mallet,
where the groom is engaged
in the mercantile business with
his father, Aide Lafeur.
St. Landry clarion. (Opelousas, La.) 1890-1921, 1916-01-01
w B. LEE OF MINDEN
WILL GET KNOX'S JOB
Louisiana Senator'S Agree on
New Surveyor of Customs
at New Orleans

It is practically agreed that
w. Burch Lee, of Minden, La,
who lisa friend of both Senator
Ransdell and Senator Brous-
sard, will be named named
surveyor of customs at New
Orleans to succeed Robert L.
Knox.
The treasury department is
expecting notification from
Collector Murphy J. Foster
that Mr.. Knox has incapacitat-
ed himself for the duties of
the office by his deed at Baton
Rouge recently, through which
two men were shot to death.
The Louisiana senators de-
cided to endorse Mr.. Lee for
the prospective vavancy, after
they had received numerous
applications from various
parts Of the state. They were
influenced in their action,
largely by the fact that North
ern Louisiana has not been
recognized in federal appoint
ments approximately with
Southern Louisiana.
Among the prominent ap-
.plicants for the Knox job are
Hon. Henry E. Estorge, |of this
city and Percy Ogden. fromer-
" Of Opelousas but now a
prominent attorney of Crow
lev.
St. Landry clarion. (Opelousas, La.) 1890-1921, 1916-01-01
ST. JOHNS DAY IS
OBSERVED BY MASONS
Members of Opelousas Temple Banquet in New Addition in
Honor of the Newly Elected
Officials of Masonry

The Masons of Opelousas
banquetted their officers and
members after the annual in
stallation ceremonies were
over at the beautiful Masonic
temple on Main street on last
Monday night. The ladies of
the Eastern Star also partici-
pated in the banquet, adding
much to the pleasure of the oc-
casion.
The banquet served as a
house warming for the beauti-
full and splendid addition re-
Gently erected at a cost of over
three thousand dollars and
which makes the temple one of
the finest lodge halls in this
city.
After the banquet number
of the prominent members of
the Masons were called upon
for toasts; among those who
responded were: Mayor Loeb,
M. Winsberg, Cliff Allen, DR..
]. A. Haas and others. All of
the speakers praised the new
ly elected and predicted that
the order would flourish under
the guide Of those able citizens
who were chosen to lead the
destinies of the Masons of Ope.
lousas.
NJ. Winsberg, who is worthy
master of the Blue Lodge, is
one Of Opelousas' best business
men, being the owner Of the
large firm which bears his
name. DR.. B. A. Littell, High
Priest of the Gordy R. A.
Chapter No. 80 is an infuen-
tial physician of this city,
while Mrs. E.. Z. Loeb, wife OF
the mayor Of Opelousas, who
is Worthy Matron of the
Ladies of the Eastern Star, is
one of the leading and most
popular members of that or
der. s.s
Following are the officers
St. Landry clarion. (Opelousas, La.) 1890-1921, 1916-01-01
OLD VETERAN COMES TO
PAY VISIT HERE
j. L.Knox, Former Resident of
Opelousas, Is Christmas
Visitor to This City

J. L. Knox, who is prominent
in Confederate circles in and
about Beaumont, Texas, and a
former resident of Opelousas,
spent Christmas in Opelousas
as the guest of friends. Mr..
Knox is a typical Southern
gentleman, who is highly re-
garded by the veterans, who
know him.
Mr.. Knox found many
changes in the old town, since
leaving it several years, but
he says that the people are
the same hospitable and jo-
vial set he left to make his
home in Texas.
St. Landry clarion. (Opelousas, La.) 1890-1921, 1916-01-01
MANY PACKAGES PASS
THROUGH POSTOFFICE
Uncle Sans Employees Are
Kept Busy During
Christmas Week
POSTMASTER TROSCLAIR
PLEASED WITH SHOWING
Business Increases at Least
Fifty Per Cent Over Last
Year at the Local Post
Office

The employees of the Ope-
lousas postoff1ce were kept con-
stantly busy the week preced-
ing Christmas, thousands of
letters, post cards and parcel
post packages being ushered
in upon Uncle Sans employ
ees at that time.
Postmaster Trosclair, how
ever, had taken the trouble of
instructing the patrons of the
Office just what to do with
their packages and on that ac-
count, despite the fact that
fifty percent more packages
were sent from and received
in Opelousas during the Christ
mas week over any preceding
year, not one single package
was delayed. Much credit is
due Mr.. Trosclair and his eff
.ficient fellow employees,
every member on the govern
ment payroll doing his full
duty, from the city and rural
carriers to the clerks and the
postmaster, himself.
For several weeks before the
Christmas rush Mr.. Trosclair
posted notices advising people
to mail their Christmas pack
ages early, SO as to avoid de-
lay in handling; the local
press took up the good work
and instructed the peope how
to handle and mail their pack
ages with astounding results.
All told the Opelousas post
Office handled more mail in
one week than it ever did in
any other week of its exist
ence.