The morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, December 25, 1899, Image 1

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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