Newspaper Page Text
THE MORNING NEWS.
Established 1860. - . Incorporated 1888.
J. H. ESTILL, President.
BROWNSVILLE'S MINE HORROR.
NUMBER OF DEAD IS ESTIMATED AT
FILU FORTY.
First Bodies Token Out Were Horri
bly Mutilated—Jinny Bodies Not
Yet Reached on Account of the
Bebrls— John Meese's Story of His
Terrible Experience—His Brother
Killed Instantly at His Side-Arm
and F)Ot Blown From the Mine.
Brownsville, Pa.. Dee. at.— The horror
of the Braznell mine disaster grows in in
nnsily with every hour.
The number of the dead is now esti
mated at forty and may pass that figure.
At the same time there is a strong pre
sumption that the laws regulating mining
were carelessly and probably criminally
disregarded.
To-day the first bodies of the victims
were brought out of the mine and never
in the history of mine disasters were hu
man beings so horribly mutilated.
It was nearly 11 o’clock btfcre the first
five bodies were taken out, twenty-eight
hours after the explosion. At 5:30 o’clock
three were brought to the surface and at
6:30 three more came up in the cage of the
main shaft.
At least twelve other bodies are :n
sight, but cannot be reached on account
of the debris.
The estimates of the number of dead are
conflicting. A.B. Braznell, president of the
Slorkdgle Coal Company, this afternoon
said he believed that but twenty to twen.
ty-five men had been killed. Men who were
working around the mine yesterday morn
ing give different figures. They say thir
ty-five to forty men were down the main
shaft in the cages, while about twenty
climbed down the steps in the elevator
shaft. From fifty-five to sixty men were
in the mine and out of this number but
twelve have been recovered alive. All the
rest, whatever the number, are dead.
John, or as he is popularly known, ‘‘Jo
nah" Meese, is one of the thirteen men
who escaped from the mine alive. He is
fearfully burned and is lying at his home
with his head swathed In bandages. He
told his story to-day:
Meese’s Severe Experience.
“I was in the stable, currying my mule
when the explosion occurred. My brother,
Sem, was by my side, and his boy, Al
bert, was standing in front of him. Then
came the crack of the explosion. Never
in my life have I heard such a terrific
report. I thought my head had been
blown off. In about two seconds the
mine was filled with dazzling light, as
the fine coal dust in the air was con
sumed.
“My brother, Sam, dropped to the
ground as if shot through the heart. He
must have been killed instantly. His boy,
Albert, swayed and fell over upon his
father. I began to back out of the sta-.
blc; that is why my face is so terribly
burned. I was afraid to turn my back
upon the mules, for fear they would stam
pede and run me down. I did not know
then that they had all been killed by the
explosion, for our lamps were blown out
ar„l we were in total darkness.
“After I got out of the stable I heard
Albert crying for help. I went back and
found him and Henry Wood, a driver. I
proceeded, half leading and half carrying
them to the foot of the mine shaft. They
were both delirious, and I believe 1 was
too. Both of them persisted in standing
up and began to walk around. I imme
diately forced them to lie down, end got
them out of the path of the fatal after
damp, which hovered about four feet
above the ground. Then I felt myself
going to sleep, but I did not care, al
ihough I realized that it was the sleep of
death. I laid down upon something which
I could feel, although I could not see,
was a corpse, and fell asleep as calmly as
ever I did ih my life. When I awoke
somebody was forcing me to swallow
brandy and coffee, and 1 was trying to
explain that it would be needless for me
to drive a wagon, as there had been an
accident in the mine.
Explosion's Tcrrlliie Force.
"The force of the explosion was te-rifiv,
my face and scalp are literally filled with
coal dust, Just as if It had been shot out
of a gun held within a few inches.”
Another evidence of the force of the ex
plosion was discovered to-day. On the
hillside, fifty feet back from the main
shaft, was discovered an arm and a foot
They were |>ortlons of a victim killed 103
feet below the surface and blown out of
the shaft like a bullet from a rifle.
From statements obtained to-day It
seems clear that the presence of gas in
quantities in the mine was perfectly well
known and that naked lights were used
for several days before the explosion. Ac
cording to credible authority, not a single
safety lamp was used in the mine by the
working crews since Tuesday morning,
four days before the explosion.
All of Them Are Demi.
Mine Inspector James Blick, who has
been in the mine almost constantly since
last night, came out to-night and gave a
graphic account of its condition. Inspec
tor Blick said: -
"At the bottom of the two shafts the
mine is a complete wreck. Only enough
debris has been removed to allow of the
bodies being brought out. There are more
bodies in the mine, but how many cannot
be determined. There are undoubtedly a
number of corpses under the wreckage
“The lower parts of the mine ore flooded
and the water Is rising as the pumps are
disabled. The pumps will not run for a
day or two as the six-inch pipes draining
'he mine have been twisted ar.d broken
like reeds. I penetrated to the face of the
mine to-day and saw two bodies there, but
'he afterdamp was thick and I had to re-
Hi rn quickly.
“Nothing further will be done to re
move the debris until the water has been
pumited out. None of the men can possl
■v be olive. It will require several days
’ ' elear the mine. The bottom of it is
ked, but the roof and sides are in
lunct. There Is no fire in the mine.”
•tough but reverent hands carried the
'•".lies of the victims when they reached
top of the shaft to the temporary
morgue on the hillside, a hundred feet
away.
Identified by Shirt.
Ilf one man, Petop Crozoy, but a portion
<lf 'be trunk and the back of the skull
'■ nalned and that was virtually but a cln-
I He was Identified by a shred of his
' lr t that had been blown Into his flesh,
II the twelve dead there was but one
| was not a hideous spectacle. Among
' men at ttie Hraanell mine to-day there
" n many who had been l olher •
I ] ' Oh*, hut never hud they seen such
1 11 k ted, burned and distorted bodies.
| 1,1 > N. H. ’lay ij, coroner of Fuyeli*
county, arrived early In the morning from
I niontown. He empaneled a jury, wno
viewed the bodies, as they were brought
to the surface. The inquest will be held
at Hniontown as soon as all of the bodies
are recovered.
FUNERAL OF DWIGHT L. MOOIIY.
Preparations Completed for Services
Tuesday- Afternoon.
East Northfleld, Mass., Dee. 24.—The
family of the late Dwight L. Moody re
mained in doors nearly the entire day,
owing to the constant downpour of rain,
leaving the house only- for a brief inter
val during the forenoon to attend services
at the Congregational Church.
Mrs. Moody, who had been much affect
ed by Hie arrival of her sister and brother,
Fleming Revell, and Mrs. William H.
Holden of Chicago last evening, was in
her usual health after a night's rest, and
showed only slightly the struggle which
she had experienced during the past few
weeks. Mrs. L. C. Washburn, Mr.
Moody's only sister, is expected to arrive
from her home in Racine, Wis., to-night.
The funeral is to be held Tuesday after
noon at 2:30 o'clock, and the details have
been completed. The body will be taken
to the church at 9 a. m., by the Mount
Herman students, and will lay in state un
til 2:30 in the afternoon, when the ser
vices will be held, after which it will be
taken to the last resting place on Round
Top. The only music during the ser
vice, aside from singing by the regular
choir of the church, will be the singing of
"Rock of Ages,” one of Mr. Moody's fav
orite hymns, by the Mount Herman male
quartette.
In answer to telegrams sent to several
gentlemen who had been associated with
'Mr. Moody in his work, offering to them
an opportunity to speak a few words over
the body of the dead evangelist, five have
responded, accepting the invitation. Those
who will speak are Dr. H. G. Weston of
the Crozler Theological Seminary, Chester,
Penn.; Rev. Arthur T. Pierson of Brook
lyn, N. Y.; Bishop Mallalieu of Boston;
Rev. J. Wilbur Chapman- of New York,
and H. M. Moore of Boston.
In Memory of Jlr. Jloody.
Atlanta, Dec. 24.—Services in memory of
Dwight L. Moody, were held at the Bap
tist Tabernacle here this evening. Rev.
Sam P. Jones, the evangelist, and Rev.
L. G. Broughton were the speakers.
MANY" NOT ACCOUNTED FOR.
Twelve Known to Have Been Killed
In Amalfi Landslide.
Rome, Dec. 24.—Dispatches from Amalfi,
the popular tourist resort on the Gulf of
Salerno, where the landslide occurred on
Friday, say that twelve persons are
known to have been killed, that at least
fifteen others were Injured and that many
ore still unaccounted for.
Among those killed were Miss Weir, a
daughter of James Collway Weir, member
of the House of Commons for Ross and
Cromarty, and her governess. They had
escaped, but returned for their valuables
and were killed together.
It now- appears that some earth tremors
and other premonitions enabled many peo
ple to get away before the catastrophe
occurred.
The Mayor of Amalfi declares his be
lief that the landslide was due to the fact
that a huge fissue left after a similar slip
ten years ago, had been, carelessly filled
with faggots and pieces of timber. This
had always been considered a source of
danger. ,
The Hotel Santa Catarina was complete
ly buried and other buildings are in ruins.
The peasants, fearing further landslides,
refuse to return to their homes.
DISASTROUS FIRE RESULTS.
An sßo,<M>o Loss in New York and
300 Girls Ont of Employment.
New York, Dec. 24.—The six-story brick
building at 134-136 WTliam stre.t, was gut
ted by fire 10-day and (he adjoining struc
tures at 132 and 138 were damaged consid
ers by. The fire resulted In a loss of about
SBO,OOO.
The burred bu fding, which was n nety
years old, was occupied by the Ferlin
jonts Envelope Company, whose lass is
estimated at $55,(00. The building at 131
Wi liam street was oecup ed by Henry A1
len, wholesale druggist, whose loss is SO,-
000. No. 138 was occupied by Thurston &
Bradlsh, importers of gum, whose loss is
$15,000. ....
More than thiee hundred gils employe 1
by the envelope company wll be h own
out of employment.
EXTENSIVE PRAIRIE FIRE.
Many South Dakota Farmers Have
Probably Been Burned Ont.
Aberdeen, S. D., Dec. 21,-Durlng a high
northwest wind a prairie fire that started
east of Eureka, has swept over the coun
try causing great desiruction of hay and
grass on the ranges* Many farmers, it is
thought, have been entirely burned out.
The fire was the most extensive for years,
embracing a tract several mlleß wide and
five miles long. Great anxiety Is felt for
the safety of people In ihe path of fire.
MAMMOTH ICE HOUSE BURNED.
It Was Built by Chicago Capitalists
at Cost of fiiOO.OfiO.
Grand Haven, Mich., Dec. 24.—The mam
moth ice house of the Spring Lake Ice
Company, located on Spring e-ake, two
miles northeast of this city, was totally
destroyed by fire Ibis morning, emailing a
loss of upward of SIOO,OOO, which Is believed
to he fully covered by Insurance. It was
built one year ago by Chicago capitalists.
DO NOT REQUIRE CONSENT.
Minors Over Eighteen May Enter the
Navy Without It.
San Francisco.. Dec. 24.—Judge DeHaven,
In the United States District Court has de
cided that minors over eighteen do not re
quire the consent of their parents to en
list In Ihe navy and when once enlisted
they must serve their term. The decision
was made ill ihe case of Edward L. Nor
ton, aged 19. Hl* nattier sought his release
on a writ of habeas corpus, which was de
nied.
Duke's Remains Cremated.
London, Dec. 24.—The remains of the
Duke of Westminster, who succumbed to
pneumonia last Friday at hts town resi
dence, Grusvenor House, were cremated
to-day ai Woking Cemetery. The deceaa
,,j had linen active In the promotion of
, it toot ion, ami was presldmt of the C'hvs
tr Cm*Ron gwitif.
SAVANNAH, GA., MONDAY. DECEMBER 25. 18M.
TROOPS ARE KEEPING TRUCE.
TACITLY UNDERSTOOD CHRISTMAS
AVILL HE OBSERVED.
No Nona I*, Therefore, Expected
From South Africa To-day—Gov
ernment Refused to Allow Duke of
Connaught to Go to the Front.
Ilocrs Extending Their Trenches
at Modder Riser—Demand Made
for Larger English Force.
London, Dec. 25, 4:30 a. m.—The war office
has received a cablegram from Gen. BV>res
tier-Walker dated at Cape Town yesterday,
saying: "Have no further news of the gen
eral situation."
It may be almost safely predicted that
nothing will occur to-day. A truce, either
formal or informal, is being kept for ihe
observance of Christmas by the opposing
forces.
The Duke of Connaught again pressed to
be allow to go to the front, but the gov
ernment declined to give its assent. Then
waiving considerations of rank, he offered
his services to Lord Roberts in any capac
ity as a staff officer. Lord Roberts con
sented, but the government again declin
ed.
The Morning Post’s correspondent at
Chieveley, telegraphing on Monday, Dec.
18, and confirming intelligence already ca
bled, says:
"At dawn to-day the column struck
camp and formed anew one, three miles
to the south, owing to the scarcity of
water."
Situation at Modder River.
A dispatch from Modder river, dated
Dec. 18, says:
"The Beers continue extending their
trenches. They now have nearly twenty
miles of entrenched works due north of
the British camp, which also is in an ad
mirable position for defense, as the sur
rounding country is perfectly level. The
Boers, mo;cover, are compelled to keep *
force estimated at 20,000 in order to con
tain the British column. A large num
ber of Lord Methuen's wounded have re
covered and are ready to resume their
places in the ranks.”
A dispatch to the Daily News from Mod
der river, dated" Dec. 18, says:
“We are now waiting until England
shall have realized tho actual facts. It
has to be admitted that, mail for man,
we have found pretty well
matched, but the Boer has always the
choice of positions.
"Let England then become alive to the
need for a further 100,000 men. Such a
force will prove the truest economy in both
blood and treasure.”
Some Army Cknngcß.
Among minor news it was announced
that Col. McKinnon has been appointed
to command the City of London Imperial
Volunteers.
The Sixteenth Lancers have been order
ed to proceed from Bombay to the Cape,
to meet the pressing need of cavalry. The
Canadian Colonel Russard has been ap
pointed to Gen. French’s staff.
It is rumored that the Free State is
about to move the seat of government
from Bloemfontein to Wlnburg, the for
mer being indefensible.
Dr. Leyds, who has again been inter
viewed, asserts that the Boers have am
ple arms and ammunition, declaring that
they have Mausers enough to give each
burgher two and an equal number of Mar
tini-Henrys.
The morning papers are severely criti
cising the fact that Gen. Sir Charles War
ren’s fifth division is being utilizied to
reinforce, various points, instead of being
concentrated at one.
GATACRE AVATCHING DUTCH.
He Is Endeavoring to Prfvrnt Their
Giving Aid lo liners.
Cape Town, Monday, Dec. 18.—Gen.
Gatacre, in order to cheek an insurrection
among the Dutch colonists and to prevent
disaffected persons giving information or
other assistance to the Boers, has issued
a modified recorvcentrado order.
By its terms all males over 12 years of
age, of whatever nationality, residing out
side of towns or villages, but within a
radius of twelve miles of military earnps
now established, or hereafter to be es
tablished north of Sterkstroom. are requir
ed immediately to vacate their places of
residence and either to remove to some
place outside the twelve-miles radius or
to form a camp in close proximity to the
nearest military camp—the spot to be se
lected by the officer commanding—where
they must reside until further notice, pro
viding for their own needs. Ail persons
found within the radius without passes
will be arrested.
Advices from Coiesberg assert that not
many colonial Dutch have Joined tho
Boers in that district.
Certain residents of Malmesbury cele
brated Gen. Gatacres repulse at Stormberg
by a dinner.
KITCHENER REACHES MALTA.
Has Sailed fur Gibraltar to Join
Gen. Lord Roberts.
Malta, Dec. 24.—Gen. Lord Kitchener,
chief of staff to Gen. Lord Roberts, arriv
ed here to-day from Alexandria on the
British second-class cruiser Iris. He went
Immediately on board the British cruiser
Dido, which sailed for Gibraltar, where he
will join Lord Roberts.
CANADIAN ARMY CONTINGENT.
Second Lot of Soldier* Soon to Soil
for Sontli Africa.
Ottawa. Ont.. Dec. 24.—The work of en
listing and equipping the second Canadian
contingent for South Africa, is progress
ing rapidly. It is expected that the first
steamer carrying a portion of the contin
gent will Bail from Halifax on Jan. 10.
Two other steamers carrying the remain
der of the troops are booked to leave on
Jan. 15 and 21.
The rush for enlisiment continues in all
parts of the country.
MONTEZUMA CARRIED MILKS.
Made a Quick Trip to Cape Town
AA 11la Over I,Holt of Them.
New Orleans. Dee. 24.—The British tran
port Montezuma, Capl. Owen, which rail
ed from thl* port Oct. 22 with mules fur
Cape Town, h<t* returned her* for orders
fihe brought back thirty-two mulcts rt
who had shipped from New Orlesn*. Mite
sailed again to-day few Halifax to take the
second contingent of Canadian troops to
South Africa.
Capt. Owen reports that on the out
ward trip he encountered severe gales for
four or live days, during wh oh some
twenty-five mules were lost. Tho trip to
Cape Town took twenty-nine days and x
teen hours, and, all told, thirty-one of the
animals, of which there wero 1,885 on
board, were killed or put to death bscausj
of disease.
The trip of the Montezuma to Capa
Town and return is a rccorl-biraker. The
distance covered was 15.600 miles and tha
ship was under full head of steam during
Bixty-one days.
The Montezuma landed her mules at
Cape Town and they were Immediately
sent north by train to Gen. Methuen in the
direction of Kimberley.
IRISH SOCIETIES MAY RISE.
Talk in Omalia of Reviving the Fe
nian* and Cinn-No-Gael.
Omaha, Neb., Dec. 24.—The Bee will say
to-morrow:
"There is something more than a likeli
hood that the pro-Boer agitation, now so
general throughout the United Slates, will
lead to the resuscitation of the once cele
brated organization among Irish-Amerl
cans, known as the Fenians, which plan
ned and executed on invasion of Canada
in 1866, out of hatred of England, for the
wrongs that for several hundred years
had been inflicted upon Ireland.
"Intimations have reached Omaha from
other cities that an address, calling for
a renewal of the Fenian organization and
the Clnn-Na-Gael had been sent out from
this city to enthusiastic Irlsh-Americans
In other places, hut inquiry among prom
inent Irishmen failed lo disclose the iden
tity of any person* who may have sent
out such an address. As far as could be
learned there are no organize ! branches of
the societies named in this city, although
there are some men in Omaha who are
proud of their membership in the Fenian
organization.
"Inquiry, however, did develop the
fact that there Is some sort of a secret
movement on foot among the Irish enthu
siasts in this and neighboring cities, which
has for its object some decisive steps of a
more beligerent character toward Eng
land than a simple declaration of sym
pathy for the Boers far away in South
Africa. Til* movement here wilt be In
augurated by a meeting to be held next
Sunday, whan some measures nre expect
ed to be taken.
AUGUSTA HAS ANOTHER FIRE.
Berry'* Flour Mill Destroyed at a
Loss of 15115,000.
Augusta, Ga., Dec. 24.—Augusta caught
another serious fire to-night, and Berry's
big flour mills were destroyed, together
with a large amount of grain and flour.
The min building was valued at $25,0C0 and
the machinery at $55,000, while there was
some $30,000 worth of corn, wheat and
flour. There was a total of about $85,000
insurance.
Capt. Berry has been In the business
thirty-five yearß, but never had a fire be
fore, though he has been disastrously In
jured several times by freshets.
A break in the coffer dam at the electric
power house, where a new' race and wheel
were being put in, left the city in darkness
to-night. Consequently there was con
siderable excitement when the general
alarm w'as turned in and a large crowd of
people flocked to the scene of the fire, the
tremendous blaze lighting up a large por
tion of the city. Fortunately the mill was
on a lot isolated from other buildings or
there might have been another ecrlous con
flagraiion. The mill was a complete loss.
MONUMENT TO GEN. LAWTON.
Jloveiiient Started by SpnUU-Amer
tean AA’ar A'oteran*.
Lancaster, Pa., Dee. 24.—A movement
has been started among the members of
the National Association of Spaftlsh-Amer
ican Veterans to raise a monument to tho
late Gen. Lawton. A number of promi
nent soldiers throughout the country have
interested themselves In the movement,
and a fund is about to be Started under
the auspices of the National SpanUh-
American War Veterans to be known as
the “Henry W. Lawton Memorial Fund."
Gen. Wiills J. Hulings of Pennsylvan a.
the commander-in-chief; Col. Edwin W.
Hine of New Jersey, the quartermaster
general, and William C. Lilier of Lancas
ter, the adjutant general of the association,
are mentioned as president, treasurer and
secretary, respectively, of the movement.
Laxvton Fund 1* Growing.
St. Louis, Dec. 24.—Mr. Charles Parsons,
who was selected to receive and forward
money donated to the Lawton fund, has
telegraphed $1,200 to Adjt. Gen. Corbin as
the result of the first day's subscriptions.
Most of the sums subscribed were in
amounts of SSO and SIOO. The work will be
continued next week.
KILLED BY PASSENGER TRAIN.
Two Jlen AVIio AVere Driving Aero**
Pennsylvania Track*.
Bigibury, Pa.. Dec. 24.—Daniel Slraus
ser, 65 years oid, and Charles Lytle, aged
35, were killed at a crossing on the Penn
sylvania Railroad, about a mile below
this place late last night.
They were farmers and came here dur
ing the day to make their Christmas pur
chases. About 11 o’clock at night, they
started for home in a two-seated wagon
drown by a horse and mule. Upon reach
ing the Pennsylvania Railroad they start
ed across the tracks without noticing a
passenger train approaching. The engine
struck the team and hurled the men a
d’stance of fifty feet, killing both in
stantly and grinding the horse and mule
to pieces.
FOR HANGING MARION TYLER.
One Man Under Arrest and Other Ar
rest* Will Follow.
geottsburg, Ind., Dec. 24.—Freeman
Moon has been placed under arrest
charged with aiding, abetting and assist
ing the mob In hanging Marlon Tyler on
Dec. 24 last. It 1* Mild that other arrests
are to follow Immediately.
Large Schooner Aground,
New York, Dec. 24.—A rejjort comes
from tho Monmouth Reach life-saving sta
tion that a foot-masted achounci I*
aground about live mile* south***! of that
point. Tlie Identity of lb stranded ves
sel u not known.
TWENTY-ONE MEN DROWNED.
LIVES LOST BY WRECK OF THE
STEAMSHIP ARIOSTO.
Capt. Bailie* anil Eight Men Who
Heiiininei! With Him Were Saved
hy the Ocracoke Life Saving Sta
tion— Other* Put Off in a lloat
Which AYn* Engulfed in tlie Sen.
Tht* Wreck Wa* the Wont There
Since 17.
Norfolk. Va., Dec. 24.-The British
steamship Ariosto, Capt. Baines, bound
from Galveston to Hamburg, was wrecked
at 4 o'clock this morning six miles south
of llatteras, N. C., and twenty-one of the
crew were drowned.
Capt. Baines and eight of the crew were
saved by the heroic efforts of the Ocm
colte life saving crew, under Capt. James
Howard.
Those who lost their lives attempted to
reach the shore in a small boat which was
swamped shortly after it put off from the
ship. Capt. Baines and the eight men re
mained aboard, and were landed by the
life savers in the breeches buoy, but not
until after a struggle which tasted all day.
Wrecking tugs are now on the way from
here to the scene of the wreck, and if they
reach the stranded ship in time may save
it, as the wind to-night is In the wrecked
vessel's favor.
The Ariosto wreck is the worst on these
shores since the German ship Elizabeth
went ashore in 1876, when fifty-five people
were drowned.
Thick fogs have prevailed along the
Virginia and North Carolina coasts for
several days, and a number of vessels
have narrowly escaped destruction, lautt
night, however, the air was clear, but the
wind averaged from forty to fifty miles
an hour and the sea was furious around
the point which has been designated us
the "Graveyard of American shipping.”
The Ariosto, a vessel of 2,650 tons, sailed
from Galveston for Hamburg, via Nor
folk, on Dec. 17. The skipper, Capl.
Baines, and his crew, consisting of twenty
nine men, were nil British. The Ariosto,
which had a general cargo, hod all tho
way from port encountered heavy weather.
Discovery of til® Wreck.
The coast patrol from Ocracoke was re
turning to the station about 4 o’clock tills
morning, when he discovered a big ship
ashore. He lmmedlotely lighted a signal
to notify those aboard that, they were
discovered and ran to the statkin to
arouse those life savers who were not on
duty.
Against the fierce wind the life savers
then dragged the heavy apparatus, con
sisting of the Lisle guns, breeches and life
car. and it was almost daylight wtien
they reached the scene of the wreck. They
could see the outlines of a big steamer,
but could not accomplish anything until
daybreak.
The wind caught up paiticles of sand,
which were blown into the faces of the life
savers until their cheeks were cut as if
by a rawhide.
When daylight broke the sailors were
se<n huddled together on the wrecked ship,
Waving their arm* In an appeal to Ist
saved. To launch a boat In such a sea
would have meant instant death, so the
life savers placed their gun in i>ottton
and fired.
The Ariosto was some 600 feet out and
the line fell short. Line after line was tired
to the stranded ship, but all fulled to
rea h.
In the meantime the waves were dash
ing over Ihe ship, and Capt. Baines called
his men together for a consultation, ex
plaining to them that the chances were
about even if they should take to the
small boats or watt for the life saving
crew to fire a life line on board. So far
as he was concerned, the captain said, ho
would wait for the life savers, but he left
It to the crew to decide among them
selves.
Twenty-One AVere Lout.
Eight sailors said they would slick by
the captain. These were saved. Twenty
one declared they were doomed lf they re
mained aboard and they left the ship In.
small boats. All of them lost their liver.
The boat In which Ihe twenty-one rrv n
put off was one of the regular life boa s.
It was strong In ordinary weather, but a
cockleshell In such a sea. The ship was
tossing heavily and with difficulty It was
swung from the. davits.
Capt. Baines and the remaining eight
men from their perilous posliion watched
the little boat put off, shouting luck to the
departing sailors.
Tossing about on Ihe great waves, the
sailor* pulling a strong stroke, the boat
seemed In a fair way of reaching shore,
when a wuve swept with mighty force on
the Utile craft engulfing It. The twenty
one men were thrown imo the sea, and
although the watchers on shore were wit
nesses of the disaster, they were power
less to render aid.®
Saw Hi* Men Go Down.
Capt. Balne* of the wrecked vessel, as
he saw his men perish—this mariner who
had sailed the world for twenty-five years
—wept like a child.
Meanwhile the Ocracoke life saving
crew continued firing lines to the stranded
ship. About four hours after the Ariosto
first struck a line was cast over the ship's
side. Capt. ainea end his remaining
men made It fast and an hour later they
bad dragged the big hawser aboard.
The life savers slowly ran out the
breeches buoy and it reached the ship in
safety. Through the blinding spray the
men were then, one by one, hauled 'o
shore, more dead than alive, and by night
fall all were safe.
When the disaster iwos made known
here wrecking tugs started for the scene.
The Ariosto was 7 year* old and wa*
owned by K. McAndrews & Cos. of Lon.
don.
NINE OF ARIOSTO'S MEN SAVED.
Supt. Kliutinl! AN ill Investigate the
Lon* of Life.
Washington, Dec. 24.-44upt. Kimball of
the Life Raving Buteau to-night received
the following dispatch:
"British steamer Ariosto, Capt. Bernes,
stranded at Ocrscolee beach at 4 o'ckx k
this morning. Twenty-one drowned and
nine saved In breeches buoy.
"Howard, Keeper."
ftupt. Kimball to-morrow will Instruct
Lieut. Johnson, of Ihe revenue cutter ser
vice, who i* at (ached to hie office, to pro
ceed lo the scene of the wreck and make n
report of the clrcumstsnee* attending the
loss of life. This I* the practice always fol
lowed by the life saving service, when
tbct I* loss of lit* attending uu anxkUtu
(o a steamer to which the aurfmen have
Riven assistance.
The supcrl/itendent believes thal the dis
tressing? loss of life is probably due to
the hurried efforts of the men to Ret
away from Ihe ship Instead of waiting
until the breeches buoy could be rigged
up between the ship and shore, and their
rescue effected. As the vessel appears sttll
to he in good condition, tSe men, he thinks,
might have remained on her an Indefinite
time before there was ony real danger of
losing their llvea.
Ships hands of "deep water" boats, he
thinks, take to the lioats too often, a prac
tice not followed by men devoted to coast
navigation, who realize Ihe opportunities
for rescue by the breeches buoy.
HOW AJ, Loom was KILLED.
Llebermnn's Letter Droves He Wits
Not Shot by HU Men.
Kansas City, Dec. 24.—Apropos of the
reports put In circulation at the time of
the death of MaJ. John A. Logan, killed
In action In the Philippines, the following
letter, received to-day by L. 8. Lelberraan,
from his son, Dr. B. Albert Lelberman,
major nnd surgeon of the Thirty-third
United States Infantry (MaJ. Ixigan's reg
iment) effectually disproves the statement
that MaJ. Logan was shot by his own
men.
"San Fabian, Luzon, Nov. 12, 1899.—As I
wrote you day before yeslerduy that we
were to uttack town, I Will now tell you
that we did It, and, although we whipped
them, the cost whs severe, the killed In.
eluding MaJ, Logan. We left here at 7a.
m. and marched nltout two or three miles,
when we ran Into the enemy, who were In
house's, rice fields anil lops of trees along
the road, and tntrenchments without end.
Corpl. Robinson, In the advance, was
wounded by the first volley. MaJ. Logun,
in passing him, stopped and nak
ed him if ho had a tirst all
package, and was shot through the head
Just above Ihe. temples. I was only a short
distance behind and I called to my acling
hospital st Ward, Mercler, and we went
forward to him. I took MaJ. Logan's
head and .Mercler his feet, so us to move
him, when poor Mercler was shot through
the heart from it tree under which MaJ.
Logan watt. 1 looked up and saw the fel
low about fifteen feet above me, and
drawing my revolver, I shot him and he
fell from the tree. Then, right at that
spot, eeverai others were killed or
wounded, nnd when I established my
dressing station at that place, the sharp
shooters In the treetops made things
very lively for u* until n detail of men
cleaned out the treetops. One hundred
and fifty native* were killed nnd fifty pris
oners and nbout 200 guns captured. The
road whs something terrible, as It had
been raining, the rlee fields were like lakes
the streams were greatly swollen and the
bridges destroyed so that we had to ford
or ewlm all of them. The natives all had
Mausers and they knew how to handle
them. The battle lasted about three
and one-half hours. Gen. Wheaton to-day
sent us a letter of congratulation on our
victory, the biggest one since tho war
started."
GREAT CROWD AT FUNERAL,
Many Attended the Ohscqnlrs of “Oli
ver Dollar" Smith.
New York, Dee. 24.—The greatest fun
eral crowd that ever assembled on the
gathered nbout noon to-day to
take a Infjt look at Former As ernblymnn
Charles (“Silver Dollar") Smith, who died
Friday at 'his home on Kss=x Btreet.
Despite a pouring rain hundreds
of residents of tho Essex neigh*,
borhood lined Essex street and
filled every tenement house window
for blocks. It was necessary to have thir
ty policemen to clear a passageway for
the carriage# out of the neighborhood.
The funeral services was held at 'Mr.
Smith’s former residence at noon, and for
many hours before the service began a
constant stream of friends passed around
the coffin lying in the parlor and took a
lest look at the dead man.
The religious services were conducted
by Rabbi Gabriel Hirsch. After Rabbi
Illrsch had read the Hebrew service the
Masonic ceremonies were performed, nnd
the remains of "Silver Dollar" Smith were
driven to Cypress Hill Cemetery for inter
ment.
RECIPROCITY WITH FRANCE.
Journal ilea Deshats Considers Ilie
Tronly Important.
Paris, Dec. 24.—The Journal des Dehats,
in the course of a long article favoring the
Franco-Amerlcan reciprocity treaty, says:
"Some are opposing the treaty because
they have become the dupes of English
newspapers, which are spreading the Idea
that the United Stales are only a branch
of Great Britain. The Americans, how
ever, have affirmed their determination to
be independent. President McKinley's
message showed their ability to disentan
gle themselves from English embraces
when these became compromising.
“As for ourselves, until there is some
proof to the contrary we must regard the
Americans as our nlHes and friends. Their
conclusion of a treaty with us was a
friendly act, and must be considered us
such. Our only degire should be the rat
ification by our own Chamber of Deputies
and the American Senate of an agreermmt
so significant and precious for the mainte
nance of the traditional relations between
the two countries.”
WERE KNOCKED OFF A BRIDGE.
One of the Men Will Die nnd the
Other Is Rad I y Injured.
Knoxville. Tenn., Dec. 24,—Two men
were knocked from a railroad bridge sev
enty feet high at Loudon, Tenn., to-day
under peculiar circumstances. Sam Eld
ridge, colored, one of the men, wili die,
The other will probably recover.
John Weare, in a drunken condition, at-
P mpted Wj ride across the high bridge
and had forced his horse along about for
ty feet before It fell between the cross
ties. An on-coming train was flagged Just
In time to prevent horse and rider being
killed. In attempting to get the horse off
tbs bridge Samuel Hklrldge and William
Boggus were knocked off tlie structure.
Texas Fussed in the Cnpes.
Cape Henry, Va., Dec. 24.—Tbs United
States battleship Texas passed In the
Cape* to-day. She has on board (he re
mains of the Maine 'lead
Tolstoi In Good Health.
Moscow, Dec. 24.—Count Leo Tolstoi ts
now pronounced by h.s medb si adviser*
fully restored to bis ordinary bealUr,
DAILY, t> A YEAR.
S CENTS A COPY.
WEEKLY VriMES-A-WKEK O A TBA 9
FARMER’S HORRIBLE CRIME.
GROIN'D DOWN BY FATE HE ANNI
HILATES HIS FAMILY.
Ills Wife r'ontnilHetl Suicide anil
Made Him Promise to Kill tha
hlldren nnd Himself—He Held
Off for a While, Hut When Hla
Stork Wns Taken He Killed Hla
'three Children and Himself, and
Runted Their Home.
Chllllcothe, Mo„ Dec. 24.—Tho charred
remains of William J. Thomas, a farmer,
and his three children were found In tha
ashes of their home, eleven miles south
west of Chllllcothe. to-day.
The supposition Is that Thomas murder
ed the children, then set fire to tho housn
and took his own life.
About a year ago Thomas’ wife commit
ted dftulcide by taking poison. Thocnag
had frequently told his neighbors that htd
wife, on her deuth bed, exncted a promise
from him that ho would make away
with the children and himself and follow
her.
The dead are: William Thomas, the fa
ther, aged 55: Edna, 10 years old; David,
aged 14; John, aged 18.
The affair was not discovered until early
thin morning, when a neighbor living
about a mile distant saw that the houau
had been burned. He hurried over and a
sickening sight met his gaze. The bousei
had boon totally destroyed by the flames,
and Ihe charred and blackened bodies of
Thomas and his three children were lying
In ashes. The coroner was notified nnd an
inquest is being held.
Thomas had been the victim of a long
series of financial reverses. It was tho
result of these that fils wife took her own
life. A story Is told that at tho time hla
wife kllbd herself It was (he understand
ing between her nnd Thomas that he was
to kill himself and the children then, but
tils nerve failed him and he failed to carry,
out tils part of the agreement.
On Saturday a Kansas City live stock!
commission firm took under a morlgago
foreclosure hia last hoof of stock. Thomas
asked some of his neighbors for help <o
save Ids horses, but was refused. Then ha
went to town, borrowed a pistol nnd a tar
get tlfle. Returning, he stopped at tha
schoil house where his little gtrl was at
tending a Christmas entertainment and
tcolt her home. Not until this morning was
anything more seen of any of the family.
Tho bodies were burned beyond recog
nition. The Iron of a pitchfork found In
the ruins lead* to the belief that Thomas
-pread hay about tho house after murder
ing tho children, set the place on fire and
then shot himself.
hi nlow* wire: wju killbo.
Ilia I’lttol Acelilratallr DlKhirfril
at a Christmas Feast.
Louisville, Ky„ Dec. 24.—A fatal accl
dent put a sudden end to the Christmas
festivities at the homo of John Ruechel
this evening.
Jacob Hunlow, Buechel's brother-in-law,
with the former's wife and four children,
wero among the merrymakers. Hunlow
played the part of Santa Claus, and In hi*
outfit carried a revolver. While the
frolic was at Its hlght this weapon was
accidentally discharged, the bullet strtk-
Ing and Instantly killing Mrs. Hunlow.
When he realized what had happened Hun,
low threatened to take his life, and be
came so violent that the police thought
best to lock him up.
KILLED 11V TWO ASSASSINS.
Manager of Kansan City Telephone
Exchange Shot Down.
Kansan City, Dec. 24.—William H. Rich
art, manager of the Kansas City telephone
exchange, was shot and probably fatally
wounded last night at Twenty-fifth street
and Park avenue, In the outskirts of that
city. I
When within two blocks of his home hd
way waylaid by two men ami shot threei
times In tho head, two bullets b.dng fired
Into his head after lie fell. His assail
ants ran away without attempting rob
bery. Mr. Hlchart had no enemies as far
as known, and tho police think that th
asnaslns Intended their bullets for gurnet
other man. I
UKOGAN SHOT lIV A MIG HO.
None of Those Who Witnessed Shoot
ing Tried to Arrest Him.
New York, Dec. 24.—(Michael Grogan, 42
years old, was shot and Instantly killed
on Third avenue, Elizabeth, N. J., to-day
by a neqro named Frederick DAvls. Tho
murderer was not arrested. Grogan, who
had been drinking heavily, quarreled wltti
the negro In saloon and again on tho
street. The negro drew a revolver and
shot Grogan through the breast, killing!
him Instantly. The shooting was witness
ed by a number of people, but no one at
tempted to arrest Davis, who ran away.
AGED WOMAN FATALLY UIItNHD.
Match Fell I'pon Her Dress as Sbo
Was Lighting a Lamp.
Peoria, 111., Dec. 24.-ddrs. Johnson, 72
years old, mother of J. G. Johnson, of
the Democratic National Committee, was
severely burned to-night and cannot live.
Mrs. Johnson was lighting a lamp and
the match fell from her hand, setting fire
to her dress. Her clothes were burned
from her body and she Inhaled flame and
smoke.
THOIUI.K COST TWO LIVES.
Sbcotlng Scrape Hinted In Drath of
I'cmay null Irwin.
Nashville, Dec. 24.—George 8. Petway, a
well-known man about town was shot and
killed last night In Waggoner's Hotel by)
Constable John Irwin. A few mlnutet
later Irwin fell and expired almost Instant
ly from a pistol wound inflicted Itf Pet
way. ;
ASSASSIN'S DEADLY WORK.
Scarbrough nml His Little Danghtca
Shot From Ambush.
New Orleans, Dec. 24.—8. F. Scarb.ough,
a citizen of Bllded, Da., w mm shot front
ambush last night and mortally wound* t,
A around shot killed hie little PyeM-otJ
daugtner who was silting before g gists
firs. No arrests have be. u mads