North Carolina Newspapers

pin rVBUSHIS AT - Wl LM I NGTQri, n. c, $1.00 A YEAR IN ADVANCE SSS8388SSSSSSSS 8S88S8SSSS8SS8SSi 8838888888888888s 83S8S888S828S888S S88888S882SS88888 82888S82S88888S8i 888888888888888? la w 5 u 5 3: i : i is: j j ! j ""Sg gas a 33 !t nter at the Pott Offlce at - Umtgton, N. C, Second CLui Matter. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE. Tb aubKripdon price of tb Weekly BtM ll U fallow ! Slnt U Copy 1 year, pottage paid 81 00 " t month, " " ,.,, 0 " meathi M " n SO THE WORLD'S SUPPLY OF COTTON. Cotton ia more eagerly sought now than gold. The great manu facturing nations are searching the earth's surface for lands on which cotton can be grown. England, Germany and France aro experi 'menting in cotton growing where . ever they think there is a chance of finding soil and climate adapted to the cnltivation of the fleecy staple. The search ia being prose cuted more eagerly than is the search for lands that will yield gold. This is because of what is believed to be a shortage in the American cotton crop and the high prico of cotton. There is also an impression that the limit has been reached in the American crop. This impression is an erroneous one. On Tuesday, in Atlanta, Col. S. W. Eldridge, of Hillbouse, Miss., Siid that his crop this year was abont 8,000 bales, and that in good cotton years he got about 10,000 bales on the 10,000 to 15,000 acres which he planted, lie also stated that if be could get sufficient help he conld raise all the cotton necessary to sup--ply the mills of this country. He is the largest cotton planter in the world, and has, of course, given a great deal of attention to the grow ing of cotton. He meant to bo understood that thero was land enough in this country adapted to the growing of cot on to supply the demand of the world for cotton. All that is needed Is labor. And why shouldn't that be forthcoming? Hundreds of thousands of immigrants are com ing to this country every year. Tticy are crowded into the sweat ih'-ps of the great cities, and, owing to unsanitary surroundings, their death rate is alarmingly large. Why sbunlda't a percentage of these im migrants be placed upon the cotton land a of the South, where they could soon make comfortable bomes for themselves? If this policy were adopted they would be better off and the world would be benefitted. In the New York Sun of Tues day last there is an article giving an account of a Pole who came to this country for the purpose of engaging iu farming, in other words, of be coming a farm hand. He was an intelligent man, and no doubt ex pected as soon as he accumulated a little money to begin farming for himself. Some of his friends in New York city tried to persuade him to remain in that city, but he persisted in going to the country, and b? is now established on a farm earning good wages, and In the coarse of a few years be will be the owner of a little farm. Mre than half of the cotton pro dnaed in this country is the product of hite labor. The old time idea t". at only the black man can work in the cotton field has been proven to bo erroneous. GermanyEngland and France can accomplish far more towards increasing the world's sup ply of cotton by encouraging the in tetligent and thrifty men and women who leave their shores to seek homes hero to locate in the cotton-growing section than they can by searching for new cotton lands in Asia and Africa. And there is nothing in the way of their , giving this encour agement. They have only to have the necessary Information as to the advantages of settling in the cotton Statejs scattered among the classes of their people from whom the im migrants come. And our own government could do a great deal to direct the class of immigrants to the South that would do well in the cotton growing Section. At present there isn't one immigrant in a thousand who knows anything abont the South and her advantages, There is no better time than the presont to agitate thia matter. .The whole world is talking about cotton. Almost as many people are interested in it as are interested in grain from which bread is made. As already stated, not half our cotton - landa are under cultivation, and those that are conld be made to pro duce much more abundantly. . Savannah News. VOL. XXXV. EARLIEST HISTORY OP NORTH CAROLINA. Among the new books just out is "History of North Carolina," "by John Lawson, Gentleman." The book is from the presses of the Charlotte, N. C, Observer, and it is a reprint of the copy now in the North Carolina . State Library at Raleigh, which copy was presented by President James Madison, in 1831. The book, which the Observer publishes, ia neat in typography and contains a better, cleaner and larger reprint of the early map which is fonnd in Lawson's history. It is indeed a very valuable publica tion, and should be in the hands . of every intelligent North Carolinian. The publisher deserves commendation for, reproducing this publication, as it will be the means of preserving a most quaint ana deeply interesting history of Caro lina in the early'days of the colony. In fact, the compiler says in his preface that it may truly be termed "the first real history of North Carolina." ! The compiler ia Col. Fred A. Olds, the well known .Raleigh news paper man, and he has done a good work in his efforts to thus place with in reach of tho people of the State historical facts which very few Caro linians have had an opportunity to learn. Lawson's history, of which the Observer' book is a reprint, bears date of 1714, which ante-dates the settlement of Wilmington. It ap peard that after Lawson gathered the notes and material for his his tory, he began its publication in parts as early as 1708 at London and thero are some copies dated 1710. The particular copy from which this reprint Is compiled by Col. Olds was presented to the State of North Carolina in 1831 by Presi dent JameB Madison, and it is pre served in the State Library air Ral eigh. Truly it is a book more marvellously interesting than fic tion. Commenting on tho Seaboard Air Line changes thai are now matters of history, the Norfolk Virqinian-Pilot remarks, as a conclusion of the whole matter: "In passing, however, it may be worthy of note that the forecast of the change in the presi dency made by the newspapers weeks ago was 'authoritatively ' denied,- and each reiteration met with similar denial. .We throw the suggestion out for what it ia worth, but it would really seem that the newspapers got about as close to the truth and stick about as close to it as anybody else." , Emperor Menelik will present President Roosevelt with two lions and a pair of i elephant tusks. We don't know what Teddy will do with the tusks, but the lions will be mighty handy when he is pestered too much with office-seekers. "Hon. D. B. Hill has been select ed as orator for the annual banquet of the Albany Undertakers' Associa tion." His acceptance of that in vitation shows that the pungent paragraphers have no terrors for Uavid B. A telegram from Roanoke, Va., says: "The Anti-Saloon League met its Waterloo here to day, Roanoke going wet by 982 majority." Looks more like they met their Whiskey loo. "Who would be free himself must strike tho blow." Let the people of Wilmington keep this always in mind while demanding justice at the hands of the Seaboard Air Line. A woman ia reported in Iowa whose spleen has been removed and yet is alive and well. Make her mad and she will bo mighty apt to show some spleen. We don't understand how Edward can "recognize" so small a speck on the map as the "infant" repnblic. It is a good long jump from England to Panama, i Panama has had an election and will proceed now to organize a na tional government, we are told. "An onnce of ivet, good apothe- cary?" j The boll-weevil has inflicted much damage on cotton; but the bull- weevil has proved a terror to the speculator known aa "shorts." If there is war between Japan and Russia China will aid Japan by furnishing the tom toms and the stink-pota. "That's the local weather fore caster who just passed us." "In deed ? He isn't a very healthy-look ing man, is he ? " "No, he says the climate here doesn't agree with him." "I wonder if that's why he keeps changing it so much?" Philadelphia Press, Robert Alexander, a negro mall ear ner, was assassinated at bis borne, uipiey, xenn., py untaown parties. " a . iHB Pi . ll I n ? . ll 1 ll f ll' l ll ::i l ll x ll ll e "KT v ll ill 1 1 11 - . I I -"V vBB ? r.I.'li .... im 'Ill .111 -II V . I Il . II .1 ITT - . . tl.'-- 11 . I , I- 1 II IV II B HI U 1 if W II f A 1 1 B A If X 1 1 4 11 1 IV ' 1 II f I IHH GROWING COMMERCE. Wilmington's Export Trade Dur ing 1903 t Has Increased Along All Lines. $20,000,000 IN MERCHANDISE. Tbit Has Been tbe Vatas of Cotton, Ntvil Stores sod Lumber Sent Away from This PortNomber '! Ships Here the Past Yesr 233. The steady incresss in the com raerce of Wilmington is extremely gratifying to the people of our city, and the growing Importance of the chief port of North Carolina will alike be a sourse of outlfieatlon to the peo ple of the entire State, . -.i.. -s" -During the year 1903, ended yester day, the exports of Wilmington were more than $20,000,000. The flical customs year ends Decem ber Slst, and at the custom house yes terday, Deputy Collector William Strutbers kindly aided a Stab repre sentative in taking from the books the following statement of exports, by months, of cotton, naval stores and lumber from Wilmington during tbe year 1903. CB 0)j a Q C 0 -Q P c- " coapc OQDc C s oc v 111 E.sfsII ioee e 0 e? t- ac x 3 15 8 g c oo 2 S5 so 2 3! a p S55 p ?lQ-Ji-j SSt- a Messrs. Alexander Sprunt & Son, cotton exporter, on yesterday cleared the British steamship "Caprera," Cap tain Connell, for Bremen, Germany, with a cargo of 13,600 bales of cotton, weighing 6,021,989 pounds, valued at 1858.150. Messrs. Helde & Co., on yesterday cleared for Glasgow. Scotland, the British steamship "Aarmenia," Cap iaia Schearf, with a cargo of 2,704 gum logs, valued at $20,000, and S35 barrels rosin, valued at $1,000. Cargo by Mr. Will L. Miller, agent for the Acme .Tea Chest Company, of Glas gow. The German bark -'Carl" arrived in port yesterday from New York, and is consigned to Heide & Co. The American schooner ''Longfel low" arrived in port yesterday and is consigned to O. D. Maffitt. She biojghta cargo of fertilizers tor Ar mour & Co. SHIPPIUa IN 1903. From the books of Col. John L. Cantwell, port statistician, we learn that during the year ended yesterday, there arrived In the port ofWilmieg too, 305 ships of all classes the total tonnage of which was 309,905. Of the ships which arrived there were 233 American vessels, Including 105 steamships of 136,220 tonr, 3 barques of 818 tons, 3 brigs of 1,007 tons, 9 barges of 36,344. and 114 schooners of 51,773 tons. The total tonnage of American vessels was 216,164. The foreign arrivals were 73 ships, including 46 steamships of 83,441 tons, 13 barques of 7,570 tons, 1 brig of 233 tons, and 13 schooners of 2,597 tons. Tbe total foreign tonnage for tbe year was 93,741. During the year 1903 the total num ber of vessels which arrived in port was 336 and their aggregate tonnage was 311,461. Of these there were 250 American vessels, of 310,902 tons, and 86 foreign ships of 100,659 tons. There was a slight falling off the past year both in the number of vessels and ton nage, but the record makes a good showing for our Increased shipping Interests. There has been a gratifying growth of Wilmington's shipping during the past few years. SHIPPING IN DECEMBER. Col. Cantwell's books Bbow that during the month ended yesterday 30 ships arrived in the port of Wil mington, of which tbe aggregate ton nage was 31,665. Of these the Ameri cans abips were 10 steamships of 11,770 tons. 8 barges of 6,000 tons and 11 schooners of 3,971 tons. Total num ber of American ships 33, with a total tonnage of 21,741. The foreign ves sels were 4 steamships of 8,672 tons, 3 barques of 1,141 tons and 1 schooner of 111 tons. Total foreign tonnage for the montb, 9,924. - LOCAL DOTS, . Mr. T. A. Wortham and bride returned last evening from Ox ford and Durham, where they have been visiting his relatives and friends. Mr. W. E. Glenn, contractor for laying the drain pipe on Market street, from Fourth to Second, has a large force of hands at work and is making rapid progress. Mr. W. J. iteavea has pur chased a $10,000 Interest in the Wil mington Iron Works and becomes vice president and manager. Mr. B. P. Bailey is still the president. Mr. J. Q. Herring, of Berta, called on us yesterday and says every thing is lovely around his epuntry. The new bridge at Still BlufrWnBhtck river has been completed 'abd iho neighborhood now has an ouHeJiO WILMINGTON, N. O.; FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1904. BEAR, TURKEYS AND DEER. This Section an Eldorado for Marotfs. What Two Haatlsg Parties Did In j the Woods Last Wedoesdsy. j . That this section of North Carolina is a great field for the sportsman may be inferred from reports from the N.mrod frlsnds of the Stab. Capt. W. H. Ward, who lives in Wilmington and banes out at Book's station, on the A. & Y. branch of the Atlantio Coast Line, la Bladen county, dropped in to make a report from tbe oommittee on field sports daring Christmas. He tells us that from Christmas day till Thursday,' boaters ia the neighborhood of Rook's) killed ten fine deer, and quail, squirrels and other game too numerous to mention. On Wednesday morning CapL -'Ward and Messrs. O. F. Woodcock and Ve Woodcock tcefc to'the woods and to a short white were on their way home wiih two fine does on the pole. The deer each weighed from 135 to 150 pounds and were young, fat and aieek. While on the way back the aogs flashed a big drove of' wild tur keys and Mr.- Leo Woodcock brought down a fine gobbler that lit on a tree. The turkey was a fine one and weighed 16 pounds alter be was dressed. On the afternoon; of Wednesday, Captain Ward went to Rook's mill- pond to see how the duck crop was spending Christmas. He found them disporting themselves in great num bars, and he didn't do a thing but carry six fine ducks back home. Talking about wild turkeys, Captain Ward says tbe oldest inhabitant has never known them to be so plentiful about Rooks as they are this year. Al ready this winter Mr. Laden Sherman has killed about thirty. Deerare plen tiful and quail are also In great abund ance, KILLED A BCAB. Dr. W. D. McMillan returned Thurs day evening from a trip up to Duplin couaty. He tells us that on Wedaes dsy, near TeacheyV, on the Atlantio Cjast Line, in Duplin connty, Mr. F. J. Sanders, chief of the mason force of the Atlantic Coast Line, and Mr. G. W. Boney, of Richmond, Va., went out for a day's sport. While hunt ing on Mr. Epbraim Boney's place the dogs bayed a bear in a pocosin. Mr. Sanders shot the bear and wound ed him, and while the animal was making the desperate fight of his life ne killed one of the hunters' best dogs. Mr. Boney then got in a shot and killed tho bear. The bear was a young one,' but weigbea 280 Bounds. The hunters sent It to Mr. I. B. Bhodes and it was on bis stalls at Front street market yesterday. Betides killing tbe bear. Messrs. Sanders and Boney bagged sixty seven quail. On account of tha dry summer tne birds batched out and raised In great quantities, and it ia said it has been years aince they were S3 plentiful. GEN. LEE'S BIRTHDAY. Editor H. A. London, of Plttsboro, to De liver the' Address at the Celebration Mere on Jsnnsry I9ib. Preparations are now under way by Cape Fear Camp, No. 254, .U. O. V., C-pe Fear Chapter, Daughters of tbe Confederacy, and George Davis Camp, Sons of Confederate Veterans, for the celebration of Gen. Robert E. Lee's birthday, in Wilmington, January 19th. All three organizations have appointed committees and they are now preparing the programme.. Captain T. D. Meares is the chair man of the Veteran' committee, and he informs us that Hon. H. A. London, a prominent lawyer and editor of the Chatham Record, Pittaboro, N. 0., has accepted the invitation to deliver the address on the occasion. Col. John D. Taylor has accepted the invitation of tbe ladles to present the Crosses of Honor to the old soldiers. Tha celebration is to be made a par ticularly interesting event. VETERAN 101 YEARS OLD. Death of Mr. Ezckiel Blizzard, Who Served In Two Wars. Mr. Eseklel Blizzard, aged 101 years, died on last Wednesday. December SOib, near Cronly. Bladen coun ty, N.O. Mr. Blizzard served in the United States army daring tbe Mexican war, and was also a Confederate veteran, having served during the civil war in Company I, First Regimen?, North Carolina volunteers. The aged soldier has been able to work on the farm up to Within a few days of Ma last iliac.. Arrested on Charge of Stealing a Horse, Jim Judge, who was in jail up to few days ago under a peace bond, was again arrested last night about o'clock. This time he was taken in on suspicion of stealing a horse. Mr. Joe Bodderick, who is a watch man on the wharf and is a special po Hceman, saw Judge go into Mr. 8. 8eigleV stable, near Robinson do King's offlce, and watched him come out with a horse which had been bridled. Mr. Bodderick thereupon arrested Judge. Judge denies that he was stealing the horse and says it was following him. The Republican State committee of Mississippi hs fixed March 33d as tbe time and Jackson as the place for holding the State convention, at which delegates will be chosen to the national convention in Chicago, Res olutions endorsing President Roose velt were adopted - unanimously, as was also a resolution declaring for the speedy construction of the Panama canal. . WILMINGTON IN 1903. Large Increase in the Commerce, Trade and Banking Busi ness of the City. BANK CLEARINGS $10,000,000. Deposits In the Plve Bsnks Aggregate $4,727,498, laclodleg $1,754,082 la tbe Three Savings Bisks A Big Lumber Baslaess. During the year just ended Wil mington has enjoyed the greatest prosperity in its history. The com merce of the port has Increased fully 85 per cent., the shinnine? Interest maintains its Increase of the past few ?trs, and tbe wholesale and retail mrcaatile business has increased fully 831 per cent. The industries of tbe city have shared in the prosperity c.f tbe city, and during the vear at eaat $300,000 has been invested in business, ne industries and new cor- poriioa. The banks have done the arrest business In the history of the cur, tbe clearings for tbe year having bfra $10,000,000 or more. Aproml- r lit banker said yesterday that the c't-irances greatly exceed those of the prr vious year, a palpable evidence of tho great increase of Wilmington's business in 1903 The present capital of the banks is, including surplus, $914,008, and their total footings are $5,938,917. The deposits at the present time are $4,737,498 and their loans and dis counts aggregate $3,857,783. The sav ings banks of the city contain deposits of $1,754,083, which fact Indicates the the thrift of the working people of Wilmington in a most marked degree. Tae cotton mills have done as satis factory a buainesa as the depressed condition of that branch of the manu facturing interest warrant, but in no period of the history of Wilmington have the lumber interests been on so large a scale and in such a prosperous condition. The lumber manufactur ers have done a business of $1,000,000 and telegraph and telephone poles to tbe value of $100,000 and cross-ties to tbe value of $150,000 have been ahipped from this port. During the year the seaside resorts here have been visited by 150,000 peo ple and the street car line in the city has bandied 1,350,000 passengers. All railroads entering- Wilmington have largely Increased their freight and passenger traffic, which is a conspicu ous evidence of Wilmington's growth and progress. Wilmington has become the fifth cniton port in the United Stater, the recaipts here since September 1st hav ing been 371,570 bales. The ex ports of cotton, naval stores and lum ber during the year just ended have exceeded in value $20,000,000, the spec fic value of these items being $19,671,909 for cotton exported; $117,- 094 for naval stores, and $168,506 for lumber. During the year the exports of cotton were 343.933 bales. Daring the year the arrival of ship ping has been 305 vessels, including 151 steamships, and ,154 ships of all other classes. The population of Wilmington i has steadily increased, and one gratifying rtflex of Improved conditions may be emphasized. That is that five years ago tbe colored population composed two-thirds of tbe inhabitants, while now there is a majority of whites. Thus we observe that the negro handi cap of "non-producers but consumers" has given way to the more intelligent, enterprising, provident and thrifty white man, and altogether the future of Wilmington has a wide horizon of opportunity and glowing promise. Killed Deer and Turkeys. On Wednesday morning Messrs. George Scbnlbben and J. F. Christian went up to Morrison's Creek on a bunting expedition and killed four fine deer and a lot of birds while in the country. They stayed at the house of Mr. Bill Futch and returned home Friday morning. Two of the deer were sold on the market and the other two were given to friends in the dtv. Mr. A. H. Holmes returned on Frl day from a hunting expedition. He killed two wild turkeys and several ducks. MANSLAUGHTER CHARGED. Twenty Men Arrested la Connection With Chicago Pire in Police Court. By Telegraph to tbe Horning Star. Chicago, Jan. 3. Twenty men ar rested In connection with the Iroquois theatre tragedy were arraigned before Justice Caverly In the Harrison street police conrt to-day on a charge or manslaughter. Five of the defendanta were members of the chorus of the "Mr. Blue Beard" Company, and were defend d by Attorney Thomas uogan. Ho testimo y was given In court and it was immediately agreed that a continuance be granted. Most of tbe time was devoted to an effort by the attorney to have the bonds nf his clients reduced from the $5,000 in which they had been held. In tbe end tbe bonds in each caae were reduced to $1,000 and the cases placed on tbe calendar for hear ing January 11th. Attorney Hogan told the magistrate that his clients had noth ing to do with the management, con struction or handling of tbe scenery. He said they continued alnglng even after . tbe audience became panic stricken, in a vain effort to allay the rears or tbe irlgbtened audience. Tbe other defendants will have hearing before Justice Caverly Mon day. Their bonds were planed at $5,000 each. "No one should ever judge that man by the company he keeps." "Why?" "He's the war den of our jail." T -oy Budget. N. C. CORPORATION COMMISSION'S REPORT. Showing the Acresge and Valos of Taxa ble Lands and Other Properties in StatC"Otber Import ant Matters. Special Slar Correspondence. . Raleigh, N.O., Jan. 3. The North Carolina Corporation Commission Issue iheTr annual report as a State tax commission, which shows among numerous other important items that 27,783,89 1 acres of land are valued at $4.35 per acre; Gaston leading at $13.43 valuation per acre and Dare lowest with only 92 cents. Tbe towns snowing largest real and personal property valuation are Ah ville, $5,186 313; Charlotte. $3,348 660; Salisbury, $3,169,708; Greensboro, $3. 885,597; Durbsm, $9,883 643: Ralizo, $5,818,592; Wiluaiiuion, $3,171,190. - Solvent credits in the. tiute amount to $28,456,156, Forsyth leading- with $1,35(5,658; Dare least with $5,807. Counties showing largest tndbled cess are Mecktnoburg. $354 506; Ru therford, $148,300; Cumbsrland $123, 300. Towns showing Isrgest Indebtedness re Ashevllle, $1,000,000; Oharlntte, $605,000; Grnaboro, $453,749; Wil mington, $683,000. Tax rates, including municipal, 8tate, county, school and special ix- as in towns, are Aahevilie, $2 50; Wilmington, $3 43; Greensboro, $4.09; Rtleign, $3.35; Salisbury, $186. The total amount of taxes levied in North Carolina for 1903, State, coun ty, school and municipal, waa $738. 445.74. This waa on total proo-rty vaiuuions, etc., amounting to $346.- 878.023. . . - The report as Corporation Commis sion shows that during the year only no ft miles oi railroad were construct ed and put into operation, tbe total at tne end oi tne year being 3,750.88 miles In operation. Net earnings were greater than ever before. Gross earnings amounted to $18,610 815, and operating expenses $13,136,977. There are 14,653 men employed against 11, 401 for tbe previous year. During the year 131 persons were killed and 1657 injured; against 67 killed and 1,069 injured during tbe year previous. Of those killed this year five were passengers, 43 employes, 61 trespassers and 13 not trespassers. There were 389 complaints made to the commission during 1903 the greater part being settled by correspondence satisfactorily to all parties. The commission reports that there are now 155 banks ia the State.against 130 last year, the present total re sources being $36,188,383. There are 36 building and loan associations operating in tbe State with assets ag gregating $3,333,507. GEN. J4MES LONGSTREET. Died at His Home In Qsioesville, Ga of Poeomonls, Aged 84 Years. By Telegraph to the Morning Btar. Atlanta, Ga., Jan. 3. General James Lopgstreet, foldier, statesman and diplomat, and the last lieutenant general of the Confederate army with the exception or General Gordon, died in Gainesville, Ga , this afternoon at 6 o'clock from an attack of acute pneu monla. He had been ill two days. General Longatreet was a sufferer from cancer of one eye. but bis gen eral heal h bad been good until Wed nesday when be was seized with, t cold, developing later into pneumonia of a violent nature. He was 84 years old. He is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter. He will ba buried In Gainesville which has been bis borne since tbe civil war. General James Longstreet was born In tbe Edgefield district, S C, January 8ib, 1831. He was appointed to the military academy .Irom a.labama,wnere he graduated in 1813. He won his spurs in tne Mexican war wnere ne participated in eight important battles and was brevetted captain and major for gallant conduct. When the civil war began be en liated on the Confederate side and was immediately made brigadier general. He had an important part in many or tbe battles of tbe war and was known as one of the hottest fighters in the service. He was in tbe surrenderlat Appomattox. After tbe war be took up bis resi deqee in New Orleans and established a commercial bouse, of which be was tbe bead. He was appointed surveyor of the port of New Orleans by Presi dent Grant and was afterward super visor of internal revenue in New Or leans and postmaster in that city. He was sent as United States minister to Turkey by President Hayes and under President Garfield was United States marshal for tbe district of Georgia. 8ome years ago he was appointed United States commissioner of rail roads with headquarters at Washing ton, which position he held at the time oi his death. THE CAUSE OP THE FIRE. Explaloed by the Manager af tbe "Spot" Light at the Iroquois Theatre The So-called Explosion. Br Telegraph to the Horning Btai. CmoAGO, Jan. 3. William McMul len, manager of the "spot" light, which is alleged to have caused the fire in tbe Iroquois theatre, testified at the hear ing before Fire Inspector Fulkerson today that the "spot" light had nolh in? to do with it. He said tbe fire was caused by tbe beat from the "flood" light used to "flood" the theatre. McCullen aaid bis "spot" light was turned out when the fire started. He said he wasJooklne up at the 4 flood" light and aaw the flmay border blow directly over tbe "flood" light. The beat from this light, be alleges, caused the fire. The city electrician followed with testimony that the heat from the "flood" light was sufficient to cause the nre. Jamea J. Hamilton, aceneiv shifter. explained wbat seemed to many at the fire to be an exnloslon. "Five minutes after the fire started," said he, "the big set piece in tbe shape of a fan. used as a finale in the second act. fell forty feet to the stage. The niece was aludded with 150 lncan descent lamps and weighed several hundred pounds. The noise of its fall and the breaking lamps gave forth the sound of an explosion." The Man Didn't yon promise to love, honor and obey me ? The Woman Didn't you promise to en dow me with all your worldly goods? UaicagQ Irxtmne. NO. 11 S. A. L. SITUATION. Captain John H. harp, the Ef ficient Treasurer, Dropped After Long Service. BUSINESS POLICY UNCHANGED Ryso Interests Wasted a Man of Their Own Choice to Take Csptsla Sharp's Plsce Mr. Barr Pleased at Be log Chosen President. Richmond Timee-Dispatch. Nob folk, Va., Dee. 31. Mr. Jamts M. Barr, tbe new president of the 8 board, is naturally greatly pleased at tho vote of confidence accorded him by the directors of the system, and during the morning he received many callers whj desired to extend congratulations. Telegrams and telephone messages of congratulation were also showered upon the official. Mr. Barr, nevertheless, remained at bis desk all day, attending to the rou tine business of bis office. He said that he had no statement whatsoever to make regaiding tbe policy of the railway during his administration aa its president. He has been in charge or the policy of tne road for almost three years now, anyway, and it is acarcely probable thattbere will be any change therein. In fact, the president elect stated this fact definitely. Regarding tbe change In treasurers. Mr. Barr said that certainly no reflec tion could possibly be intended upon the faithful and upright retiring treas urer, Mr. John H. Sharp, who baa efficiently bandied the funds of tbe company for the past twenty-three years. He desired to make public ac knowledgement, be said, of tbe abili ty and fidelity of this gentleman. "It is quite natural," said tbe new president, "that the people who have recently put their millions Into this property should desire a man of their own selection as treasurer. The elec tion of Mr. M. 8. Meldrtm aa vice pres ident and treaaurer waa the logical outcome of the recent change in the property. Mr. Sharp, the retiring treasurer. has been a resident of this city for the past ten years or more. He started In the railway business with the old Car olina .Central Railway, one. of the most important constituent proper ties of tbe Seaboard, as a book-keeper. Xtots waa in April, 1892. la 1893. when the Georgia Carolina and Northern Railway was completed to Atlanta, he was made treasurer of the consolidated lines, with headauar- ters here. Later on. when Mr. J. S. Williams combined the tben Seaboard system with tbe Southbound, the Florida Central and Peninsular and the Georgia and Alabama, Mr. Sharp was made treasurer of tbe consolidated properties. w hen seen this morning he was at nis omce, perrormmg his duties aa tuual He had no criticism whatever fo make of the action of the Board of Directors, but quite to the contrary. Uhe said that it was the most natural thing in the world that the New York financiers, owning an interest in the property, should desire a treasurer in New York. Regarding his future plans, he could not speak. It is the belief of those close to the president-elect that Mr. Sharp will be offered some position of responsibility with tbe system, as an indication of tbe road's appreciation of his most efficient service. SENSATIONAL DAMAGE SUIT. Brought by Mrs. Laora DeLang Against tbe Countess Esterbszey for alleoat Ing Her Husband's Affections, By Telegraph to the Horning Btar. Washington, Dec, 3. The Countess Esterhszey, widow of the late Maxi milian Ksterhazey, who was al one time secretary of the Austrian embaa- aey in Wasbinetor, is tbe defendant in a damsge suit fur $100,000 brongnt by Mrs. Laura M. DeLang, who chare s that the Countess alienated her husband's Sections. Thepapera were served oi the Countess here to night. . Mr. and Mrs. Martin DeLang have divided their time between homes in New York and Warrenton, Prince William county, Va Mrs. DeLang say a her husband left their home in Vir ginia on August 3d and has since ab sented himself. 8he charges that much of the time has been spent by Mr. DeLang in the company of the Countess Esterbszey In Washington Friends of the Countess said that Mr. DeLang bad been received by her as a friend and that she had no knowledge that he was married. Mr. DeLang is a member of an old Swisa family and is said to be without means. Countess Esterbazey is the daughter of William Carroli.of Wash ington, a cousin of Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, who was one of the signers of tbe declaration of independence. The countesB has been twice married, her first husband having been General Griffin. She has many friends at the Auitriau court and ia said to be favorite of the present emperor. 0be has an independent fortune. PERSONAL EFFECTS LOST. Estimated that $100,000 Worth of Valna blea Disappeared from Bodies af the Victims of tbe Cblcsgo Fire. By Telegraph to the Morning Btar. Chicago, Jan. 2. From the large number of complaints received of the loss of personal effects from the bodlea of the fire victims, coroners' office clerks estimated that $100,000 worth of diamonds, watches, jewelry, furs and other property was lost In the fire. Many of the victims had money in their possession which could not be found when tbe bodies were examined at the morgues. Much of the property of value was undoubtedly lost, but a large amount may have been stolen by ghouls. Tbe largest amount of cur rency reoovered was $405, found Dinned to tbe garments of a woman. Superintendent of Streets Cleaning Solon and a force of men went to the Iroquois theatre to-day with Instruc tions to clean it moat thoroughly. As the men set to work they examined every scrap for j-twel,ertlcles of cloth lnsr and trinkets. The order wai issued after Citv Custodian -De Wilt O. Cregier, had found a diamond pin holdiner a t-"i" aa large as a pea and valned at t500. Mr Cresfer added the gem- to the coliecwon of effects dis played for purposes of .Identification other MsOvWis Knocked in tka Bui tfbt Asdrew Walker Rssbc of $287.34 Friday Night. mmm . . . ; -,( . Ex-Alderman Andrew Walker. colored, waa able to come down town yesterday and tell of his thrilling ex perience with tbe two highwaymen who robbed him Friday night at Sixth and Nun streets. - t '.:. - He states that the robbers got from him a roll of bills amounting to $287.- 54, all of which waa lodge money ex oept $6 38 which belonged Individually to him. The money belonged to Free Love Lodge, of which Walker is treasurer. He says be took a trolley car at Second and Princess streets, and got off at Seventh and Nun streets to go to- Second and Nun streets to at tend a meeting of tbe trustees and financial board of Free Love Lodge. The . meeting waa to be held in Rath Hall, and when Walker started on Nun street in that direction, he states that he saw two men stand ing alongside the pavement. As he passed them, one seized him by the arm'and tore his overcoat, and the other knocked him aenaeless with, a club. He says he remembers about having received two licks, but after ward he was unconscious and didn't know whether they alruck him while be was down or not. His pants pock et was torn while the' robbers hur riedly took his roll of money out. It was in a handkerchief and was wrapped around with paper. He waa taking the money to the meeting to make a ahowing to the finance com mittee. Walker says hia assailants were ne groes, one being a brown-colored, tall man of heavy build, and the other a abort black man of heavy build. Af ter they robbed him one went over to the southwest corner of Sixth and Nun streets and disappeared while the other went over to the northeast cor-, ner of Nun and Fourth streets and disappeared. Policeman H. W. How- el), who was at Sixth and Ann streets heard the lick which felled Walker and heard him hollow for help. He ran in that direction bnt did not see either of the robbers. He found Walker unconscious. IWalker says when he came to himself Officer Howell was helping him up off the pavement. Walker does not know who his as sailants were but thinks it is somebody who knew he was to take the money to the meeting at Ruth Hall. He re ceived two severe licks, one on the shoulder' and one on the left side of the head, the latter causing blood to come from his ears and nose. ANOTHER HAN KNOCKED IN THE HEAD. Last night about 9 o'clock, in Strauss' Alley, between Fourth and Fifth and Harnett streets, Henry Bur ton, colored, 19 years old, was found insensible from having been clubbed on the head. He was taken to the James Walker Memorial Hospital; where Dr. Akerman dressed a bad wound in hia head over the left ear. It Is uot likely that the skull Is frac tured, but the wound Is a serious one. Burton is suffering from concussion of the brain. Who struck Burton or how or under wbat manner he was hurt Is a mys tery. He was so addled at the hos pital that no sense could be gotten out of anything he said. It ia quite pro bable that he was knocked down and robbed. He works at the Armour fer tilizer works, near the Seaboard Air Line depot, and was on bis way home. Ht was la a semi-conscious condition wht 'i heard from after midnight laat night. When Burton was picked up in tha. alley be vras covered with blood, sand and dirt. There ia no clue to the deed. FIRE AT WILSON, N. C, EARLY THIS MORNING. Foot Large Bnlldloga In the Business Sec - tlon and Other Property Destroyed. Loas Estimated at $125,000. By Telegraph to the Horning Btar. Charlotte, N. O , Jan. 3 A tele phone message from Wilson, N. C, at 1 o'clock this morning (Sunday) says that four large buildings In the heart of the business section have been destroyed at a loss of $60,000, that the fire is still raging and threatens ex tenaive damage. An appeal haa been sent to Rocky Mount for . aid, and a portion of the fire (.apart ment of that town is being hurried there. Tbe fire originated In the basement of the Cooper Watson to bacco warehouse and spread to a large building owned by W. J. Betts, the Centre warehouse, the largeat la Wilson, and Woodward and Jonea to bacco warehouse, which will be a total, loss. At 3 o'clock this morning the flamea were under control, but much more damage than already reported had" re aulted. In addition to the bulldloga mentioned.tbe following were destroy ed : Lie wis & Cook's bar-room, W. EL' Morris' grocery store, John Y. Moore's livery stable, two-story brick building of J. O. Wiggins, W. T. Clark's livery atablea; M. C Davis' bar-room, i Ed wards Brother's livery stable, and a half dozen smaller buildings. Total loss estimated at $135,000. PANIC IN THEATRE. fame Nesi Repeating the iceaes of the Chicago Fire. By Telegraph to the Horning Star. I New York, Jan. 3. An immense holiday audience which packed th Thalia theatre, on the Bowery, at toA day's matinee performance, all' but repeated tbe scenes of wild panie of the Chicago fire, whenaahrill cry of ( "firel" ran through the house. Only the chance circumstance that several policemen were standing in the lobby at the moment asd met the emergency with atrong measures checked tbe wild unreasoning frenzy of tbe auilence in. their, desire to escape from the build ing by Abe main entrance. Clubs and fists met the rush the mo ment it began, tbe police and tbe em ployes of the theatre rushing through the crowd and literally lifting the leaden from their feet and forcing thrm Into their seats. Tito attack of the police In front wr--as sudden as had b.en the fire alari, and served to quiet the crowd anL avert what would have been a mur derous stampede. . 1 v tl