The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, December 23, 1896, Page 4

- THE SAN FRANCISCO CALL, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23 1896. PLEADING SANTA MONICA'S CAUSE Southern Pacific Engineers Tell of the Harbor’s Advantages. Ope of Their Own Witnesses Contradicts Ex-Senator Cole. Huntington Promises Not to Make Use of His Special Privileges if Successful. LOS ANGELES, Can, Dec. 22.—The first metaphorical tears in the great har- bor contest were shed this foremoon by Chief Engineer Hood of the Southern Pa- cific. Hood resumed his presentation of the Santa Monica case before the Harbor Commission at the Chamber of Commerce rooms at 10 o’clock. He explained how easy and even delightful it would be to build wharves in Santa Monica Bay after a suitable breakwater Wwere constructed there. He assured the board that “in building our wharf we builded better than we knew, and very much better than was necessary. It we had only known what still and placid waters we were in we could have saved much money."”" Hood has a happy faculty of turning the most unpropitious circumstances into good account and of making the worse seem the better.- When he was forced to acknowledge that there were atlong in- tervals dangerous swells at Port Los An- geles, he said: “Well, there has been trouble on a few occasions at the wharf, I will allow, but it was perfectly satisfactory. I was actually glad to realize that there was some activ- ity to the sea at that point.” His conclu- sion was that if there never had been trouble there, then, of course, no break- water would be necessary. “With a break- water there,” he concluded, ‘“all seamen will be satisfied with the port.” Hooa is very unlike his confreree and associate in this fight, Engineer Corthell, who modestly canceded that he had been “retained.” Hood speaks of the work of the Southern Pacificas *‘ours,” so that his presentation was literally punctuated with “our,”’ “us” and “we.”’ He had, according to his statement, on many occasions as- serted himself in a manner to make people understand who and what he was. Wharf Superintendent Jamison, who at one time was trying to assist his superior, got into deep water in recounting the trouble which the steamer Corona had encoun- tered there. Hood went to his assistance, saying: “I can explain the whole matter. The fault was in her master, Captain Hall, who disobeyed my instructions and tiea his vessel too short on a falling tide and as his ropes could not sustain the weight of the steamer they were, of course, snapped to pieces. Then I notified Good- all, Perkins & Co. that if their seamen could not do as I said I should compel them to keep away from our wharf. After this I observed that Hall paid attention to what I said,”” and with this Mr. Hood took his seat with the air of a conqueror. Pathos, however, is Engineer Hood’s specialty. At infinite pains this gentle- man explained what he and his company had done at Santa Mouica Bay; how they had gone forward digging tunnels, buying land, securing right of way, building wharves—doing all these things, not for themselves alone, but that the public should share in the benefits. And now himself and his company had agreed to let the commerce of the world rightinto “our” bav and harbor and ‘‘we’” were compellied by this bill to let in rival rail- ways and competition of every kind. In a voice husky with emotion Hood said : ';Wny, gentlemen, this is almost pater- nal.”’ The speaker pictured himself and Mr. Huntington as the noblest of philanthro- pists of the age. There was one other in- stance in Hood’s long recital where his philanthropic feelings got the better of him. When the Corona had its trouble at Huntington’s long wharf the engineer was particular to state that it had not dared to make a landing at Redondo on account of the dangerous swells. During that storm a portion of the wharf there had been washed away; “and,” said Hood, his voice again indicating deep emo- tion, “I was very sorry for this mishap to our friends down there.”” This was too much for the spectators, who laughed aloud. It was evident to-day, as on yesterday, that the Huntington p:ople have been oorly coached for their several parts. x-S8enator Tole upset the catsup yester- day in telling Engineer Corthell that he did not know what he was talking about when he asserted that the residents of this city had no business projecting them- selves into this fight. Hood promptly called him to his seat, and the ex-Senator acknowledged that he was glad of it. 1o-day Captain Dornfield got back at Benator Cole’s frightful sou’easter, which, according to the speak- er's statement yesterday wrought such havoc at San Pedro during the past few years. Dornfield, who has been a coast seaman for many years and in charge of | the Long Wharf as pilotmaster ever since it was constructed, took the floor. The members of the commission began plying nim with pointed questions regarding the winds from the southeast. Dornfield de- scribed them at great length, and con- cluded by asserting that the real southeast winds did little or no damage to shipping in any of these southern ports. The swells occasioned by the western winds accompanying the natural sea waves was what seamen most dreaded along this coast. This was & complete knockout for Cole, who looked daggers at the ship- master. Durinf his talk Hood sneered at peti- tions. In view of the Southern Pacific agents’ discomfiture in forging sig- natures to petitions last spring and etting caught atit, it is not to be won- Sered at that they eschow such annoying documents. Notwithstanding the atti- tude of these gentlemen there are peti- tions a mile long ready to be submitted, but they are all in favor of San Pedro and are unpleasant reading for Huntington’s retained men. Hood’s moods are changeable, From the feelings of deep sympathy for the Redondo Beach Railroad, which had lost part of its wharf, he exclaimed in high dudgeon that Port Los Angeles had come to stay, no matter where this appropria- tion was expended. *“But,” =aid he, “if oar offer is rejected now we can make it interesting for opponents, who may want our facilities in the future. The fact that the Southern Pacific Company enjoys certain privileges there does not mean a monopoly." In referring to marine insurance, Hood said the rates were uniform all along the coast south of San Francisco. Insurance companies made no exceptions as to ves- sels that stopped at Santa Monica. It ‘was the intention of the Southern Pacific Cmnrlly. if a breakwater was constructed | when a prompt resort to Dr. D, Jayne's Expecte- by the Government, said Hood, to do a large amount of filling ata mht where the wharf touched the shore, so that more tracks and lumber-yards might be located. 1t would also build other wharves at which vessels could load and unload. In reply to a question by Commissioner Morgan, Hood said that after four years’ experience, if he were to rebuild the wharf he would not change the location in the least. He told how admirably the piles withstood the action of the waves. It had been his experience at the wharf that he never saw a wave that was more than four feet from crest to trough. Commissioner Morrison wanted to learn something about the wharf that was pre- | viously built at Santa Monica. Hood said he had been on the wharf in 1876. Heavy swells prevailed at that point._ It was not a good place for a wharf. It was built more than twenty years ago-and aban- doned some time between 1878 and 1882 In answer to a question by Admiral Walker, Hood said the proposed break- water at the Long wharf would be located in seven fathoms of water. Division Superintendent J. A. Muir was the next gentleman to address the com- mission. With but one exception, he said, the company had never had any difficulty in handling business at the wharf. The storm of March 2, 1896, did some damage to the ship Dunboyne. Considerable com- ment had been made by a number of news- papers on the effect of the storm of Novem- ber 25 last. T.e facts of the case did not | justily these. During the storm the steamer Santa Rosa would not touch at Redondo, but it did stop at Port Los An- geles and experienced no great inconve- nience. J. 8. Slauson, who owns a large block of Southern Pacinic stock, said he had been one of the directors of the old Los Angeles and Independence Railroad until it was sold to the Southern Pacific. “When we built that road,’’ said Mr. Slauson, ‘‘we thought Los Angeles needed a better harbor than that found away down at San Pedro. We built a wharf at Santa Monica, Yankee fashion, knowing nothing about waves, tides or winds. In all the time that the whari stood but two vessels ever failed to make a landing.” The wharf was sold to the Southern Pa- cific about a vear and a half after itscon- struction. Slauson said the city of Los Angeles was building toward the Santa Monica coast, and as & citizen he had thought that the deep-water harbor should be located there. Hood bere stated that he had but little more evidence to offer. He would like to introduce Captain Alexander of the steamer Santa Rosa and two other ca ufins to-morrow when his side would close. s ol HE SCOFFS AT DISEASE. Dr. Powell Again Submits to Inoculation With Deadly Tuberculosis Germs. LOS ANGELES, CAn., Dec. 22. — Dr. Thomas Powell to-day submitted for the second time to bacteriological tests in a way that astounded his fellow-phys:cians. Placing himself entirely at the commands of some twenty-five physicians present he first inhaled the dried sputum of a woman known to be far gone with pulmonary tuberculosis. The sputum had been pre- viously examined by a professed bacteri- ologist and microscopist, Professor A. J. McClatchie, late of Throop University, who pronounced the matter to be loaded with the bacilli tuberculosis. The quan- tity of the viscid matter was then mixed with distilled water and 1njected by one of the physicians into the cellular tissue over the abdomen. A number of promi- nent physicians and surgeons were pres- ent, and all expressed themselves entirely satisfied with the thoroughness of the test. Bince the days of Pettenkofer, who pro- posed to do what Dr. Powell is doing and nearly killed himself by injecting into himself some spirfellium of cholers, only one other man is known to have tried it, and he promptly killed himself with diph- theria bacilli. Dr. Powell was inooulated with diph- theria yesterday, and for the last public test to-morrow will be thoroughly inocu- lated with typhoid fever germs and, if they can be obtained, glanders germs. e ATLANTIC AND PACIFIC SALE. Judge Ross Orders a Foreclosure and the Disposal of the Line to the Highest Bidder. LOS ANGELES, CaL., Dec. 22.—Judge E. M. Ross in the Circuit Court to-day issued a decree of foreclosure and sale of the Atlantic and Pacific Railway in the suit of the United States Trust Company of New York against the Atlantic and Pacific, Topeka and Santa Fe and St. Louis and San Francisco railways, their re- ceivers, the Mercantile Trust Company and the Boston Trust Company. The foreclosure is for a mortgage of $16,000,000 in bonds and nearly $3,000,000 interest. The decree authorizes the com- plainant to deduct $83,823 50 collected by it trom sales of land among the land- holders pro rata. It then orders the sale of the railway to be made by Owen N. Marron, special master in the case. Tue sale is to be at Gallup, N. M., at the pas- senger station, ata day snd hour to be fixed by Master Marron. No bid is to be considered unless accompanied by a certi- fied check for $100,000. . IN JAIL FOR FORGERY. Son of General Alford of Tewas Passes- a Bogus Draft. LOS ANGELES, Cav., Dec. 22.—Allen G. Alford, son of General George F. Alford of Texas, is in the City Jail charged with attempting to defraud the California National Bank. He deposited there a $1000 draft. Then he drew $100, and later $500 more. That aroused the suspicion of the bank people, and a tele- gram was sent to Philadelphia, where it was discovered that the draft was a for- gery. A warrant was at once issued aud Iater Detective Bradish arrested the man. He is 26 years of age. T BT Furay leleased on Bail. LOS ANGELES, CaL., Dec. 22—W. T. Furay, the alleged poisoner of his mother- in-law, Mrs. Kelley, was to-day released on $500 bail. The District Attorney be- lieves there is lLittle evidence to back up the charge. His examination was con- tinued to January. ATTEMPTED ROBBERY AT BODEGA. Masked Bandit Enters a Store, but Is Put to Flight by the Plucky Proprietor. . SEBASTOPOL, CaAL.,, Dec. 22.—A bold attempt was made about 9 o’clock to-night to rob Goodman & Co.’s general merchan- dise store at Bodega, a smail village west of this place. In addition to conductinga merchandise store the firm is engaged in the banking business to some extent, and the highwayman had undoubtedly planned for a big naul. Goodman was in the act of closing the safe for the night when he was sudsenly confronted by a masked robber wno had entered through the rear door of the building. The intruder flourished a pis- tol and commanded the proprietor to hold up his hands. Instead of complying with the request Goodman made a rush for the robber, who fired one shot and then fled through the door by which he had en- tered, but in dashing out he struck Good- man a severe blow on the head, rendering him almost unconscious. It is believed the 1injury will not prove serious. At the. latest account the outlaw was heading for Queenstown. A posse was formed and is searching the hills in this neighborhood. It is expected that the robber will be taken dead or’ alive before morning. B A LIFE often hangs in the balance, because, slight cold” has been suffered to turn chro rant wouid have turned the scale, It bilious, take Jayne's Painless Sanative Pills, IOES OF M AGED STOCKTON COUPLE Elizabeth Benton Brings Suit in a Divorce Court. The Husband of Whom She Has Tired Is Ninety-One Years 0ld. Accuses Him of Extreme Cruelty and Failure to Provide for Her Wants. STOCKTON, CaL, Dec. 23.—A unique divorce suit came up before Judge Budd to-day. It was the case of Elizabeth Ben- ton against T. M. Benton. The white- haired defendant is 91 years of age, but despite the fact that he has been a seem- iugly dusiful husband since 1874 he was charged with all sorts of indignities to his wife, for which she demanded alimony and a separation. In the complaint the wife claims that her gray-haired and gray-bearded hus- band has been guilty of extreme cruelty, as well as negligent in providing ior her welfdre. Heis averred to have charged her with stealing his property; of calling her vile names and applying opprobious epithets to her; of refusing to allow her children to live with her; of ransacking her trunks, and of neglecting to supply her with such help as her yearsand physi- cal condition demanded. This morning’s session of the court was consumed in establishing those allega- tions. It appeared that David Benton, the old man’s son, was the cause of a large share of the trouble between the couple. He told his father that the old lady was stealing wheat, and led him to where the sacks had been piled. Johnnie Davidson, a hired man, is alleged to have made lots of trouble also. He was sald to have ransacked her wardrobe and bureau drawers, taken a detailed account of all her wearing apparel and told how many yards of unmade up goods she had, how many silk stockings, how many dresses and how many suits of underwear she had. el CHICKEN THIEVES CAPTURED. Officers Break Up a Gang That Foraged on San Joaguin Kanches. STOCKTON, Can, Dec. 22.—Deputy Bheriff Robinson returned from Madera to-day with George Roberts, allas James Owen, who has been wanted here for some time for his connection with wholesale theits of chickens and turkeys. One week ago Roberts hired a rig, and, in company with Cary Peck, one of the thieving party, startea out on a foraging expedition. They succeeded in securing twenty-five chickens and . turkeys, but when they raided the henroost of the McKintosh ranch, of here, they were detected. McKintosh and his employes gave chase on horseback. ‘When -the thieves were close pressed they abandoned their rig and the stolen fowls and took to the fields. Peck was captured and told what he knew of the operations of his comrades, His arrest was kept secret by the authorities in the hope of arresting the others, and Roberts was taken at Madera to-day. This breaks up an organized gang which has been og- erating in this section for the past month. ShAmnE Sentenced to Folsom. STOCKTON, CaL, Dec. 22.—Harry Bryant, arrested at Berenda a week ago under the name of Harrison by Sheriff Cunningham on a charge of stealing a horse and buggy from Reynolds & Turner, liverymen of this city, pleaded guilty to- day before Judge Smith. He claimed he was intoxicated and did not know what he was doing when he commi tted the theft. Judge Smith thought a term in prison would cure Bryant of his love for intoxi- cants, so he sentenced him to two and a haif years in San Quentin. RELEASED FROM SEATTLE'S JAIL. Chun Moi, Wife of a Rich Chinese Mer- chant, Wins the Fight Against Deportation. SEATTLE, Wasg.,, Dec. 22.—Chune B. Gee, or Chun Moi, the second wife of Gee Lee, the Chinese merchant who in his best days was worth $350,000, was released from the county jail this morning by order of Judge Hanford. She will not go back to China, although Judge Hanford made an order several months ags direct- ing that she be deported. In dismissing Mrs. Gee Lee the court made a new order which will render the original one null, Never has such a fight been made for a Chinese woman in the Northwest as that for Mrs. Gee Lee. Judge Burke was her counsel. The case came up almost a year ago. 'The Government officers arrested Mrs. Lee, although she had a certificate showing that she was the wife of Gee Lee. Shortly before her arrest Gee Lee, when called on to say which of two women in his house was his wife, swore that Chune B. Gee was not his wife. For that 1eason the Government officers Chune B. Gee into custody, alleging that as she was not a wife she did not have a good certificate and was not entitled to re- main in the United States. The case was tried before Judge Hanford, and the woman was ordered deported to China. Since then her counsel has been working hard on the case, and Gee Lee has spent much money in the woman’s behalf. She secured her release to-day by proving to Judge Hanford satisfactorily that while she may not be the wife of Gee Lee she ‘was born in the United States, and there- fore it is not necessary for her to have a certificate. Three Chinese merchants swore that she was born in S8an Francisco. Two of them made affidavits to that effect before a San Francisco notary, ana the third came north and was on the witness-stand this morning. His name is Chin Shing, and he is the oldest Chinaman who ever came to this city. He is said to be 81 years of age and wealthy, He swore this morning that he knew the prisoner from the time she was a little girl, and was positive that she was born in the United States. Her father was Toy Ah Gock, and for a number of years was a resident of San Francisco, where he kept a_store on Dupont street. He and bis wife went back to China in 1892, just two years after Ghune Gee came north with Gee Lee. The witness would not swear that she was married to Gee Lee, but swore that the latter bought her and brought her north. g SANG FOR BWEET CHARITX. ZLarge Audiences Hear the Kendition of Handel's “The Messiah.” SAN JOSE, CAn., Dec. 22.—Large audi- ences heard the rendition of Handel’s great oratorio, “The Messiah,” at the First Methodist Church this evening and last night for the benefit of the Associated Charities of this city. The solos were ex- NEW TO-DAY—DRY GOODS. 2 DAYS MORE OF HOLIDAY BARGAINS!-2 To bring our great and overwhelmingly successful Holiday Sale to a fitting close by disposing of every dollar’s worth of Special Holiday Goods before Christmas the following and count- less other equally choice lines are offered at PRICES THAT SHREWD BUYERS WILL APPRECIATE! LADIES' HANDKERGHIEFS ! LADIES' WHITE SCALLOPED } EMBROIDERED SHEER LAWN 8% 28c. HANDKERCHIEFS, new designs, extra values, will be placed on sale av Bh%c, 10c, 1234c, 15¢, 20c and 25¢ each. LADIES WHITE HEMSTITCHED AND SCALLOPED EMBROID- ERED SHEER LINEN HAND- KERCHIEFS, latest designs, will be placed on sale at 25¢, 50¢, 76¢, $1, $150, $2, $2 50 and $3 each. ESc% to 83, LADIES' WHITE HEM- 10¢) STITCHED LI HANDKER- to r CHIEFS, i{, 3¢ 1and1%inch hem, &0c.) sterling values,will be offered at 10¢c, 1234c, 16¢, 20¢, 25¢, 35¢ and 50c each. REAL DUCHESSE LACE 78c¢c HANDKERCHIEFS, a hand- to some present, special values. at $12.50 (75c, $1, §1 50, $2, $2 50, $3, $3 50, $4 50, $5, $6, $7 50, $8 50, $10 and “$12 50 each. LADIES’ HEMSTITCHED $1.00 (ALL-LTNEN HAND-EM- to BROIDERED INITIAL $2.00 | HANDKERCHIEFS, half doz, in fancy box, $1, $150.and $2; a useful present. NECKWEAR! NECKWEAR! Novelties in LACE, CHIFFON, MOUS- SELINE DE S80IE AND RIBBON COLLARETTES, FRONTS, JABOTS, AND RUFFLES, at very, low prices, CHILDREN'S WEAR. CHILDREN’S COATS, from 1 to At 4 vears, made of navy, red and $2 50 blue niggerhead material, fin- o ished with square collar, trim- med with fur, will be sold at $2 50 each. CHILDREN'S WHITE DRESS- At ES, 1 to 4 years, made of fine $l 50 white Nainsook, yoke finished . with tucks, ruffle and embroid- ery, will be sold at §1 50. BOOKS!" BOOKS! At t;;go 112?0 Bomhis. clo(i: bound, ldll e latest authors, value wi 150 be offered at 15¢. o At | 300 LARGE-SIZE BOOKS, consist- ing of the History of the United States. African Travelers, etc., value 50c, will be offered at 25c. 25¢ At 65¢ 100 GRIMM’'S FAIRY TALES, heavy cloth covers, value $1, will be offered at 65c. GAMES! GAMES! We are offering all the LATEST GAMES. includ- ing LOUISA. BASEBALL, YACHT RACE, etc., at half price. At - Half Price MACKINTOSHES. CHILDREN’S MAOKIN- At TOSHES, in navy and mixed $2 00 colors, value $3, will be offered . at $2. LADIES’ DOUBLE TEXTURE At MACKINTOSHES, in navy and $5 00 black, value $7 50, will be offered . at $5. LADIES’ 2-CAPE MACKIN- At TOSHES, 1n navy and black, $6 00 velvet collar, value $8 50, will be 0 offered at $6. At $8.50 LADIES’ MACKINTOSHES, in tan, (2 capes), velvet collar, value $i2, will be offered at $8 50. LEATHER GOODS! LADIES' BLACK LEATHER SHOP- PING BAGS, in all the new styles, excellent value at 25c, 40c, 50c, 60c, 75¢, $1, $125, $1 50, $1 75, $225, $2 50 and 3 each. LADIES’ PURSES AND COMBINA- TION CARD CASES, in an unlimited variety of styles, colors and qualities; Coin Purses from b6c to 75¢; Black and Colored Card Cases 50c to $2 50, and Sterling Silver Mounted Black and Colored Combination Cases from 75¢ to $5 each. Black Real Ostrich Feather Boas. BLACK REAL OSTRICH FEATHER COLLARETTES—20 inch, finest qual- ity of Feathers, with Ribbon ties, $2, $250, $3, $3 75, $4, $450, $5, $6, $750, $850 each; 36-inch, §5 75, $6, $7 50, $9 and $10 each; 45-inch, $10, $11 50, $12 50, $13 50 each; 54-inch, $13 50, $15 and $18 each. Each one boxed in a handsome Xmas box. FUR-BEAD NECK SCARFS, inall qual- ities and styles; Black Coney, 75¢ and $1; Muskrat, $1and §1 50; Real Mink, $4 and $5, and Real Black Marten, $3, $4, $5, $6 and $7 50 each. CHILDREN'S FUR SETS! CHILDREN’S FUR SETS (muff and tip- pet), Imt. Ermine 75¢, Imt. Lynx 75¢, Gray Hare §1, White Angora $1 75 and $2 50, and White Thibet (muff and head scari) at $2 50, $3, $3 50 per set. JAPANESE SILK TIDIES. At | JAPANESE SILK TIDIES, hand 35 painted, value 50c, will be offered € | at 35c each. At | JAPANESE SILK TIDIES, hand- embroidered, value $1, will be of- fered at 75¢ each. 756 &= §TORE OPEN EVERINGS FOR BALANGE OF HOLIDAY SEASON. ‘Murphy Bullding, Market and Jooes Stregts. Murphy Bullding, Murphy Bullding, Market and Jones Streets. | Marke! aud Jones Stregts. SILK UMBRELLAS. LADIES’ SILK GLORIA UM- (BRELLAS, ~ with handsome Dresden handles, value $3 50, will be offered at $2. LADIES’ SILK GLORIA UM- At $2.00 At BRELLAS, with Dresden or $2 50 pearl nandles, will be offered at . $250. GENTLEMEN'S SILK UM- At BRELLAS, 28-inch, natural handles, steel rods, value $6, $3.75 will be offered at $3 75. LADIES’ KID GLOVES! 175 dozen 4-BUTTON UNDRESSED KID GLOVES, large buttons, zol- ors mode, tan, slate and brown, all gsizes, regular price $1, on special sale at b9c a pair. At 59¢ 168 dozen 4-BUTTON KID At | GLOVES, embroidered backs and mr~ . | large buttons, colors tan, brown and (90 | modes, also black, all sizes, regular price $1 25, on special sale at 75¢ & pair. At | 143 dozen 5-HOOK KID GLOVES, black only, all sizes, regular price $1 25, on special sale at 75¢ a pair. 75¢ 103 dozen 4-BUTTON ENGLISH WALKING GLOVES, in dark and medium shades of reds and browns, worth $1 50, will be on sale at $1 a pair. At $1.00 100 dozen 4-8UTTON GENUINE FRENCH KID GLOVES, em- broidered back and large but- tons, in dark, medium and tan shades, also black, regular price $1 50, on special saleat $1a pair. At $1.00 Murphy Bullding, Market and Jones Stragte, quisitely rendered by the vocalists, and the grand chornsof 100 voices aroused much enthusiasm and admiration. Music was under the direction of Professor J. H. Howe of Ban Francisco. The soloists were Mme. Yda de Sen:inario, Homer Henley and Frank Coffin of S8an Francisco and Mias Carrie Foster McLellan of San Jose. F. Loui King accompanied the vocalisis upon the pipe organ and Miss Ada Churcbill upon the viauo. el Crack Cyolers to Race. S8AN JOSE, OaL., Dec. 22.—Floyd Mec- Farland has accepted the challenge issued by Otto Ziegler Jr. for a series of match races on the Garden City Cyclers’ track of this city, the distances to be one, two and five miles respectively, with pace-makers, for a purse of $1000. The riders will prob- ably meet in & few days and sign articles of agreement. e PORTLAND'S GALLANT FOOTPAD. Refuses to Permit His Companion to Rob a Woman of Her Valu- ables. PORTLAND, Oz., Dec. 22.—L G. Purdin and wife, living at 301 Eugene street, Up- per Albina, were confronted by two masked men last evening. Each leveled a revolver at them and ordered them to hold their bands above their heads and keep quiet. They obeyed orders, as they had no desire to be perforated with cold Jead for the sake of a few dollars. One of the fetlows handed to his confederate his revolver and proceeded to search Mr. Pur- din’s pockets, from which he took $7. ¢“I guess I'll go through the woman, now,”” said the searching robber, after completing his work on Mr, Purdin. “No, you don’t!” exclaimed the other thief, greatly to the surprise of the vic- tims: “I've got a mother and won’t stand in with the robbery of a woman.”’ This sentiment on the partof the in- active thief saved Mrs. Purdin about $4 that she had in her dress pocket. After being allowed to go on their way the robbed couple lost no time in visiting the office of Chief of Police Robertson, to whom they narrated their adventure, with the assurance that they could identify the robbers were they to see them again. This morning Detective Welsh arrested G. L. Bernard on suspicion of being implicated in the robbery. The Purdins subsequently visited the City Jail and ata glance posi- tively identified the suspect as being one of the two men who halted them last night, —_— Defensive Fleet for Japan. VANCOUVER, B. C., Dec. 22.—A com- pany with a capital of 20,000,000 yen is being organized in Japan to provide a fleet for defensive purposes. It is pro- posed to build three ships of 6000 tons, with a speed of twelve knots; six ships of 3000 tons, with a speed of seventeen knots; fourteen of over tourteen knots speed and eight other smaller steamers. During times of peace it is intended that the boats shall be utilized in the mercantile service on the American and Australian lines and between Japan and China, Korea and Formosa. Application for a charter will be made to the'Government immediately and the construction of the boats pushed forward with all possible speed. A gl San Rafaet Accident. SAN RAFAEL, CaL, Dec. 22.— Gart Barstow, son of the editor of the Marin Journal, met with a shotgun accident at noon to-day. With'a companion he was duck-hunting. While climbing over a fence his clothing caught on a nail. He fell and the gun was discharged. The charge took effect in his thigh, No bones are br:ken and it is hoped it isonly a flesh wound. el iy Eighty-Eight Pages. . Xmas News Letter., Only 15 cents, REDWOOD CITY MYSTERY. Body of a South San Francisco Suicide Held to Await Identifica- tion. REDWOOD OITY, CaL., Dec. 22.—The body of an unknown suicide was brought from South San Francisco to Redwood City to-day by Coroner James Crowe, at whose undertaking rooms it now lies awaiting identification. The dead man was found at South San Francisco last night with a bullet-hole in bhis right tem- ple. The temple is powder-burnéd. The suiclde is a man about 24 or 25 years of age, smooth shaven, 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs about 155 or 160 pounds. ‘When found he wore a dark coat and vest and drab trousers, and had on a striped open-front stiff shirt and a No. 15)¢ turn- down collar of the same material. The collar bears a laundry-mark which could not be deciphered. He also had on a yellow undershirt and wore a pair of No. 7 shoes. Around his collar was a crocheted four-in-hand tie of a pink mate- rial. By the suicide: was found a five- chambered 388-caliber bulldog revolver, self-cocking. Four of the chambers were loaded, the fifth having been discharged. The revolyer is almost new and has scratched on it the name of “P. Otto.” On his person was found a white handker- chief and a memorandum-book. The only entry in the book was the following, made in lead pencil: . Please don’t try to find out who I am. If ou want to dome a favor, bury me in some uiet spot. ACoroner Crowe will hold the body for ide‘ntificstion for a day or two. L o W TRAGEDY AT PASADENA. Mrs. -John Gales, an Invalid, Commits Suicide by Drowning in a Reservoir, PASADENA, COAr, Dec. 22.—One of the most'tragic events ever occurring in the neighborhood of Pasadena was the sui- cide at 7 o’clock this morning of Mrs. Gales by drowning in the reservoir south of the Raymond 2hill. She was the wife of John Gales, foreman of the Raymond Improvement Company’s ranch. The young woman had been ailing for some time, and in fits of despondency fre- quently made threats of taking her life. She residea with her husband and mother- in-law just across the road from the reser- voir. Mr. Gales’ mother was the first to miss the unfortunate woman, as her husband had gone from the house early in the morning, and had left his wife apparently asleep. Mrs. Gales, not finding her daughter-in-law in the house, became alarmed and informed her son of his wife’s absence. Mr. Gales began a search, and his attention wasattracted by a white apron on the bank of the reservoir. The husband got assistance and discovered the body in the reservoir. p Mrs, Gales had always lived happily with her husband and ill health is the only reason assigned for her snicide. She was but 29 years old, and came from ‘Waterloo, Iowa, about three years ago. She had kyen married but two years. P SR EKILLED AT FVENTURA. A San Franciscan Meets Death While Stealing hickens. VENTURA, Car., Dec. 22.—Jacob Cag- naccio heard a disturbance in his chicken- house, at the rear of his residence, last night. On investigation he found two men within killing chickens. He claims that ‘he ordered them out, but that they overpowered him and escaped, dropping four dead chickens as they ran. He gave the alarm, and Constable Russell, who lives on the opposite side of the street, ran out and arrested a tramp named James Burk as one of the men. s At daylight this morning the body of an ucknown man was found inside the fence, 100 feet from the chicken-house. His throat had been cut, evidently with a stiletto. At the inquest Burk identified the deceased as Martin Gordan, a sign- writer from San Francisco, where his fam- ily resides, Cagnaccio, under oath, swore positively that when knocked down by the thieves in the chicken-house he made no resist- ance, but called for help, when the thieves ran. The jury returned a verdict of death by a knife wound at the hands of a party or parties unknown. S S et JOINS A SPOKANE CHURCH. Osmond Day, Notorious in San Francisco, Says He Will Become a Minister. SPOKANE, WasH, Dec. 22.—Osmond Day, at one time a notorious’ character in San Francisco, last evening walked up to the pulpit of the FPeople's United Church and joined the church, announc- ing that he would at once take the pulpit in the interest of that sect. At tnis state- ment the large audience joined in praises to God. The People’s United Church is an organization lately formed, the founder being David N. McInturff, who a year ago caused a split and great dissension in = the First Methodist Church, of which he was the pastor, He has been a leader in all sensational moral reforms in the city and is now heading a Sunday-closing crusade. Day came to Spokane six or eight months ago, going to work as a singerin the Louvre Concert Hall, where he waa not a great success. Since being in the city, up to the last few weeks, he has been & hanger-on around the variety theater and disorderly houses. It is said he had a wife with him when he first came to Spokane. A few weeks ago he stopped one evening to hear the Volunteer Army on the street, and when one of the sisters bad finished an address he walked In among them and announced his intentiou of becoming a volunteer. Not over a couple of weeks ago Day made an attempt 1o win_back his wife, who is now said to be in Rossland, B. C. He caused a telegram to be sent her by a friend, stating that he had tried to kill himself on her account. This did not have the effect hoped for. Those who knew him in San Francisco have no good word for him and do not belisve that his conversion is bona fide. Lo emtl Escaped From Folsom Prison. SACRAMENTO, CAL., Dec. 22.—~Gover- nor Budd this morning issued a requisi- tion to the State of Utah for the extradi- tion of Albert Pico, now in the Utah State vrison. Pico escaped from Folsom prison after nearly completing a three-year sen- tence for enibezzlement. Since his es: he has served two terms in Utah, second term will be completed in a few days, when he will be brought back to Folsom, —— In Italy there are more theaters in portion to the population than in 1:1;0; other country. NEW TO-DAY. IT CURES IN A WEEK. Dr. Sanden’s Electric Belt lakes a Record of Quick Cures. Read This Letter. write my name, zy when walk- already gone, Dr. Sanden’s San Francisco, December 20, 1896, HEN I PURCHASED YOUR BELT one week ago I nad not had a good night’s rest for six years. I would lie in bed and toss from side to side, unable to get to sleep. The second night T used your belt I slept all right, and have rested well every night since. I was so nervous when I bought the belt I could hardly and had been that way for several years. I would feel diz- ing, and was very excitable. and the belt has really performed wonders for me. All these symptoms are J. F."LUCAS, 119 Third street, San Francisco. Electric Belt Is the grandest electrical invention of modern times for the good of humanity. It is far superior to any other, contrivance for the cure of disease. It is quick, safe and certain in its health-giving action, and cures after drugs have been used with- out success. Its life-giving current saturates the weakened parts with animal magnetism, expands and invigorates the vital forces and removes the effects of early mistakes, expostire and exi cesses, It cures all nervous troubles, kidney and stomach com- plaints, rheumatism, lame back, Read Dr. Sanden’s famous book, “Three Classes of Men.” sealed by mail, or at office. ete., after medicine fails, It is free, closely SANDEN ELECTERIC Cco., 632 MARKET ST., OPPOSITE PALACE HOTEL, SAN FRANCISCO. Office hours—8 A. M. 10 8:30 P. M. ; Sundays,10 tol. Los wu".{ gonhnd. Or., 253 Washington street. Angeles Offics 204 South Broad- TE.—Make no mistake in the number—E3 S =3 Market street.