North Carolina Newspapers

The Weather Todayi FAIR. The News and Observer. VOL. LIY. NO. 97. {L@gQ f iO® ©DO Klocp-SOd ©sHP®Bßon® INSACKCLOTHAND ASHES SHE WEEPS There’ll be No Joyous New Year for Chicago. THE LIST OF THE DEAD The Most Accurate Estimate Makes it Five Hundred and Thirty.four. Others are Expected to Die of Injuries Received in Theatre. (By the Associated Press.) Chicago, Dec. 31.—For the first time since Chicago has possessed bells to peal, whistles to shriek, and horns to blow, the Gld Year was allowed silently to take its place in history and the New Year per mitted to come with no evidence of jcy at its birth. In an official proclamation, issued this afternoon by Mayor Carter H. Harrison, he made the suggestion that the usual New Year’s eve celebraton this time be omitted. The idea found a ready response in the hearts of the people and the may or’s words in fact only gave utterance to the unexpressed thoughts that had filled them ell. Ordinarily, on New Year’s eve the streets of the city are filled with merry makers, but tonight the only throngs to bo found were those around the morgues; ordinarily, numbers of fashionable restau rants in the heart of the city are filled with light-hearted revelers who toast the year that passed and hall the year chat comes. Tonight these places were com paratively Geserted, and some ot them closed entirely,with doors locked and cur tains drawn. Usually among these gay people are found many members of the theatrical profession. Tonight not a sin gle one of them was in evidence. The list of dead continues as it was given last night, in the neighborhood of 560. It is generally accepted at this time that the most accurate estimate is 56-t. This number will be increased somewhat as there are people in the hospitals who cannot survive for any length of time. It is believed, however, that the total num ber of dead will not in any event exceed 575. Including the missing, it is esti mated that the total number of casual ties at the present time is approximately 1,000. There are among the missing the names of many who are at their homes and of some w r ho were not at theatre at all. | i the first (excitement following the calamity these people were reported by their relatives as among the missing and r.umbcrß of them have since returned to their homes and no report of this fart has been made to police headquarters. Their names however still sw'ell the list ot the missing. When the names of the dead -who are still to be identified have been subtracted from the list of the miss ing, it is probable that the extent of the catastrophe will be fully revealed There was animated discussion today among firemen, employes of the theatre and architects as to the cause of the fire. Accounts difTcr today as widely as they varied last night. The theatrical people are practically a unit in declaring that the fire started with an explosion, and in this they are flatly contradicted by scores of people in the audience who declare they saw the fire creeping along the edge of the curtain for several min utes before the explosion took place. These statements are substantiated by the storiea of a number of people who left their seats after seeing the blaze, and were well on their way to the street when overtaken by the frightened rush of those they had left behind them. The best evidence obtainable is to the effect that the fire was caused by the sparks from an arc light striking th<*edge of the drop curtain, but the actual fact, however, -will not be known until after the conclusion of the coroner’s inquest. There are so many statements at present and they differ so widely that it is impossible to ascertain the exact truth of the mat ter. Although the Iroquois Theatre was un doubtedly the safest theatre in Chicago, it became evident today that the city building department had not strictly en forced one or two sections of the building ordinances. William Curran, a building inspector, was in the theatre only a few moments before the catastrophe and went away saying that everything was in good condi tion. Deputy Building Commissioner Stanhope went to the theatre today to make an inspection. Upon his return to the city hall he said: •‘The theatre and its management were strictly within the law. I will not go in to details until I have completed my re port.” Section 18 of the local building ordi nance provides that in buildings of the class to which the Iroquois Theatre be longed, there shall be a.system of auto matic sprinklers. There were no sprinklers in the theatre, and Mr. Stanhope when this was called to his attention replied: “There was no sprinkler system in the theatre, but the provision about the iron doors made it unnecessary for the theatre to have them.’’ Section 189 of the ordinance provides that theatres be equipped with fire alarn's connected with the city fire system. City Electrician Hyland said: “The Iroquois had no fire alarm con nection with the city alarm system. N application is on file for any such connec tion.” The alarm of fir?, in fact, was turned in from a box over half a block distant from the theatre. The law provides also that there shall be a ventilating shaft at the rear of the stage w-hich will conduct flames and smoke away from the auditorium in just such emergencies as arose yesterday- The Iro quois Theatre possessed no such ventilat ing shaft. Prom the action of a committee of prom inent architects of Chicago, at a meeting tonight, may result a recommendation to Mayor Harrison to close every theatre in the city until its exits and construction have been examined. The idea was sug gested to President Beaumont, of the Chi cago Architects Association today by W. A. Pridmore, an architect who lost some relatives in the fire. President Baumont refused to personally make the recom mendation to Mayor Harrison, but called an informal meeting of the association at which it was decided that a larger gath ering of the members would be held tomorrow and action at that time would be decided upon. Mayor Harrison said tonight: “I see no more reason for closing all the theatres than for stopping all rail way trains after a disastrous wreck. There is no necessity of getting hysteri cal about this matter, although this hor rible disaster has taken place in probably the safest theatre in Chicago.” Possibly nothing could better typify the depth of the sympathy which is felt for those who suffered directly by the calamity than the action of the striking livery drivers. By a vote, which was without a dissenting voice, it was decided to establish a truce of ten days. Presi dent Albert Young, of the Union, follow ing the meeting, issued the following de cree which was distributed broadcast: ‘‘Owing to the great disaster to the pub lic caused by the fire at the Troauois Theatre, I do hereby declare a truct in the present strike of undertakers and livery drivers for ten days, and do furth er request that every man now on strike report at once to their respective places of employment, and do everything in his power to assist his employer in caring for the wants of the public. Wages are to have no consideration. (Signed.) “ALBERT YOUNG.” In their turn the employers issued a call to their striking employes to return to work, “irrespective of any previous affiliations with any and all organiza tions,” and promising to protect them in all contingencies which may arise rh the future. The mayor tonight in this cbntiection sent a letter to all theatrical pioprietors in the city, calling their attention to the failure of theatres to comply with the building ordinances relating to places of amusement, especially that provision re quiring them to employ a firemen. The mayor directs the chief of the fire de partment to assign regular firemen to each theatre, their wages to be paid by the theatres. After dispatching this letter the mayor said: “If any one of the theatrical managers refuses to pay the wages of these men, as several of them have refused in the past. I will close the doors of the theatres and keep them closed until they agree to act as they should.” All during the day telegrams of sym pathy to the people of Chicago and offers ot aid poured in by telegraph upon the mayor. He announced tonight: “1 have received many oSers of aid. It may be before we get through this a few persons will be found to have been put to need, but Chicago will be able to give that aid herself. Most of those killed and injured, now identified, can be abundantly cared for.” Among the telegrams of coudolenee re ceived from abroad by the mayor were the following: “Berlin. ‘Mayor Harrison: "Wish to express deepest sympathy on account of terrible catastrophe at Iro quois Theatre. Please let me know of missing and if some of my acquaintances among them. What a terrible beginning of the New Year many good citizens of Chicago will have. (Signed) “HENRY OF PRUSSIA.” From E. S. Willard, the actor, London, was received the following: “Deepest sympathy with citizens mourn ing.” Telegrams of condolence were also re ceived from Mayor Low, of New York, Mayor Collins, of Boston, and from dozens ot the chief executives of cities between St. Louis and New York. In addition to his proclamation issued during the afternoon suggestng that the usual New' Year’s festivities be abandon ed, Mayor Harrison tonight made the an noncement that all departments of the City Hall will be closed on Saturday, January 2, on account of the calamity at the Iroquois Theatre. He made the request that all business houses throughout the city also close on that day. On every train which arrived in Chi cago during the morning came the rela tives of persons who w ere thought to have been killed or injured in the fire. The lobbies of the downtown hotels were the scenes of many happy meetings as well as anxious inquiries on the part of fathers, mothers and more distant rela tives of whom no trace could be iound. Many of these people returned to the hotels late in the evening niter either fruitless search for their loved ore- e*- after finding a charred and disfigured body lying in the morgue—all that re mained of the relative or friend ior wh they had searched. Feast of the-Circumcision. Today is the feast of the circumcision, a holy day of obligation in the Cathohc church. Mass at the Sacred Heart Church at 8 a. m. RALEIGH. NCRTH CAROLINA. IRIOAY MORNING, JANUARY. 1. 1904, MISS DARBY HAS LOST HER FIGHT i The President Will Ap point Mrs. Russell. A TALK WITH ROLLINS l _____________________ He Says Rnsseil is Guiltiess of Bad Faith Imputed to Him by Miss Darby. Mrs. Shipp to be Given Clerkship in Raleigh. (Special to News and Observer.) Washington, D. C., Dec. 31. —When the Senate convenes next Monday, the Presi dent will send in the nomination of Mrs. Russell, wife of ex-Governor Daniel L. Russell, as postmaster at Wilmington, to succeed Miss Darby, whose term of office has expired- Mrs. Russell’s appointment was agreed on this afternoon at a conference between the President and Republican State Chair man Thomas S. Rollins, to whom is en trusted the duty of selecting Federal offi cials in North Carolina. Another result of this afternoon’s con ference was an agreement by which Post master Barclay is to be continued in the postQffice at Lincolnton, and Mrs. Shipp, widow of .Lieutenant Shipp, who was an applicant for the office is to be given a clerkship in the office of Revenue Collec tor Duncan at Raleigh. An arrangement to this effect was made by Chairman Rol lins with Collector Duncan some weeks ago, and it today received the approval of the President, who wants an excuse to do something for Mrs. Shjpp. She will enter upon her duties in the revenue office, at once. Two other post masterships that will be settled this week are those at Plymouth and Windsor. Mr. Rollins will be in the city till Monday, and he said tonight that he would have another conference with the President between now and that time at which appointments would be made for these offices. Touching the appointment of Mrs. Rus sell, as postmaster at Wilmington, Mr. Rollins said: “I recommended her on strictly personal grounds and I believe every Republican in the State will endorse the appointment. When she was in the executive mansion at Raleigh she treated the Republicans of the State in such de lightful manner as to make friends of them, and it was because of this that I decided to recommend her for the office to which she was today appointed ” “Was she an applicant for the posi tion?” was asked. * “No,” replied Mr. Rollins, “She was in no sense an applicant. I originally sug gested her and neither she nor her hus band knew I had made the suggestion till Governor Russell came here in behalf of Miss Darby. Then, he was told at the White House that I had recommended Mrs. Russell, and that I would, under no consideration, consent t»> the re-appoint ment sis Miss Darbv.” “Tt is not true, then, as Miss Darby claims, that Governor Russell played her false, accepting a fee to come here for her and then secured the appointment for his wife.’’ “It is not true.” replied Mr. Rollins. “Governor Russell knew absolutely noth ing of the recommendation in behalf of his wife, or of my opposition to Miss Darby, tiii he reached Washington. I made the recommendation without, his knowedge, and I secured (he appointment without his assistance in any way.” Asked what truth there was in the re ported offer to Miss Darby, that if she would give up the fight for re-appoint ment, she should become assistant. Mr. Rollins said he had no knowledge of any such offer. He said no arrangement as to an assi ant had yet been made. It is learned, however, from an"authoritative source that the present assistant, Mr. Wallace, will more than likely be re tained- It is expected that Mrs. Russell will be confirmed at once and take chrage of the office some time next week. When Mr. Rollins called at the White House this afternoon, he was accompanied by Judge Pritchard and his two sons, Arthur and George. Judge Pritchard called simply to introduce the boys, who are at home for the holidays. He took no part in tlie conference regarding ap pointments, said Mr. Mr. Lawrence Holt, who resides here, before going to Burlington, where he has large milling interests, said: “It is a fact that a great many of our Southern mill men are scarce of raw ma terial. Very few of us have as much cotton on hand as we would like, but still I do not take a gloomy view of the situation. Somehow we have always before this managed to get a supply, oral so we will not suffer. I do not look to see any shutting down of factories in my Lection. “The high price of the product and the sharp demand have brought about some unusual conditions. In the past onlv the cotton that has opened in the boll by natural processes has been thought of any account. “This season in some of the States the farmers have even gathered the unopened bells, those that never would have burst apart, owing to the lateness of the sea son, and placing them in a threshing ma chine have extracted from them an in ferior grade of cotton, which, in spite of its off-colore and short fiber, com manded a fair price, and was a consider able addition to the regular crop.” FRED L. MERRITT. The Economic Association. (By the Associated Press.) New Orleans, Dec. 31.—At the third duy’s session of the American Economic Association the trust problem was treated in an elaborate paper by Prof. Henry C. Adams, of the University of Michigan. The following officers were elected: President, Frank W. Taussig, of Har vard; First Vice-president, Irving Fish er. of Yale; Second Vice-president, John H. Garry, of Northwestern University: Third Vice-president, Dr. John Graham Books, of Cambridge, Mass.; Secretary and Treasurer, Frank A. Fetter, of Cornell. Members attending the American Eco npmic and American Historical Associa tions have formed the American Political Science Association. Its object is the study of politics, public law, administra tion and diplomacy. These officers have been elected: Prof. F. J. Goodnow, Columbia Cnivcr eity; President Woodrow Wilson, Prince ton; Paul S. Reinacli, University of Wis consin; Simon E. Baldwin, Yale, secre tary-treasurer; W. W. Willoughby, Johns Hopkins University. THEIR NEW CHURCH Christian Scientists Lay the Corner Stone at New Berne. (Special to News and Observer.) New Bern, N. C-, Dec. 31.—Today the Christian Scientists laid the corner stone of their new church. ' The exercises were conducted at 1245 o'clock bv Miss Mary Hatch Harrison, C. S. 8., first reader of the First Church of Christ Scientists. They consisted ’ of Scripture reading, first Corinthians 3. 9-14 and also second Corinthians 4, 1-7. Silent prayer was followed by audible repetition of our lLard’s Prayer. Miss Harrison then made 4%v appropriate remarks, ending with an appreciative reference to Mrs. Mary G. Eddy, who, on this glad occasion present ed the church with a holy Bible and a complete list of the published works and current publications of the society for the corner stone. _ The stone was then laid. This was fol lowed by prayer from the church manual. The foundation of the church is to be of Concord granite. The corner stone is plain, marked A. D., 1903. and is the gift of Mr. John Swenson, of Concord. New Hampshire, the. home of Mrs. Eddv, this granite being used as a token of love for her. The location is on the corner of Middle and Broad streets. . # *— Small Wreck. Small Damage. 1 (Special to News and Observer.) Goldsboro. N. C., Dec. 31. —The Atlantic and North Carolina Railroad had a small wreck today just as the morning passen ger train was approaching the usual stop ping place in front of the Hotel Kennon. Just after passing the Mulberry street crossing the front wheels of the hindmost truck under the second-class coach jumped the track at the switch and bumped along on the crossties for one hundred yards. No damage of consequence was done, but the passengers on that car were very much frightened and shaken up consid erably. The slow speed at which the train was running prevented very serious trouble. The Higgins Drug Company has recent ly been organized in this city with a full paid up capital stock. Several prominent business men of Goldsboro are stockhold ers. The new firm will begin business in a few days at the stand which has been j occupied for years by Mr. John W. Ed wards, who conducted a saloon, and who will have to retire from business today on account oi prohibition which goes in to effect tomorrow. Ifeiiga Roosevelt Wires Sympathy. (By the Associated Press.) Cl cago, Dec. 31. —The following mes sage was received today: Washington, December 31. “To Hon. Carter H. Harrison, Mayor, Chicago: “In common with all our people through out this land. I extend ty you. to the people of Chicago, my deepest sympathy in the terrible catastrophe which lias be fallen them. (Signed.) | “THEODORE ROOSEVELT.” The "Spouters” Elect Officers. (By the Associated Press.) Atlanta, Ga., Dec. 31.—The Southern Association of Elocutionists have elected the following officers for the ensuing year: President, Fran K. Stowe, Lebanon, Tenn.; Vice-president, Miss Alice May Youse, Baltimore; Corresponding Secre tary, Dr. A. E. Nooth, Huntington. Tenn.; Treasurer, Lucius Perry Hills, Atlanta. Building Permits. The following building permits were is sued during December: Mrs. J. W. Woodard, one room frame house on East Hargett street, $l3B. W. A. Wyatt, repairs to four-room frame house on North Harrington street, S2OO. THE DISPENSARY IN EFFECT TO-DAY Barrooms Closed Last Night at Midnight. PLANS FOR FUTURE Some Saloonmen Will Remain Here in Other Lines of Business—Some Go to Farming and Others Will Conduct Saloons Elsewhere. The dispensary begins its operations n Raleigh at seven o’clock this nio.r . At midnight last night the twenty-three liquor houses in the city went out oi business because of the law. Many of them doled before the day was over, as the proprietors had disposed of all their stock. In some of the saloons there were crowds -during the afternoon and late last night, while in others the counters had been torn out and the busi ness ended. tA the dispensary all was activity yes terday and last night, in the way ot pre paration for the opening today. The brick walls between the three stores rented on Exchange Place had been cut through and the rooms made practically one. Two of these, with a long counter running through are to be used as the general salesrooms, while the third will be used for storage and filling rooms, the cellars and the rooms overhead being set aside for the same purpose. The shelving is in place as is the coun ter, on the shelves are the various brands bought by the Dispensary Commissioners and on the counter there is fastened a book in which the sales are to be recorded as they are made, the name of the buyer, the - brand, and the quantity bought each to be written in this book, which is lor the dispensary officers, and not for pub lic inspection. Ihis morning tile first sales will be made in the dispensary- At this season the opening hour is seven o’clock, while the dispensary will be closed at sundown, 'me business will be conducted withou screens, and no drinking or loitering in the dispensary will be allowed. * * « One saloon man, in the closing day of the business yesterday, took to poetry and prophesy. The following original verse has been posted in —j window: TO THE DISPENSER. “As you are now, so once was I; As I am now, so you must be; Remember two years, and look lor me.” (Signed) S. T. SMITH. Being asked as to the meaning of his verse Mr. Smith said that in two years he expected that there would be either prohibition or high license in Raleigh. * • * The men who go out of the liquor busi ness by the incoming of the dispensary, and their plans, so far as learned, are as follows: ED. V. DENTON. —Remains here. Will look alter his farming interests and will conduct a restaurant and billiard parior at his present location on Fayetteville street . S. T. SMITH.—WiII locate in the saloon business in either Richmond or Baltimore. His store on Exchange place next to the dispensary will be used either as a drug store or a dairy lunch. JOHN U. SMLTH—WiII conduct a sa loon on Broad street in Richmond. His k cation is now part of the dispensary. MACK DIXON—Has a saloon in Tar boro and has gone there. His location now part of the dispensary. R. W. YOUNG.—WiII conduct j. billiard and pool room in Charlotte. His location is now part of the dispensary. A. L. BAILEY.—WiII open a bar in Spring Hope, Nash county. His store on Wilmington street will be occupied by De-war and Wilder, wholesale grocers. L. N. WHITE.—WiII remain In Raleigh and has not determined as to nis plans. His place on Wilmington street will be used by the Prince Hardware Company. W. H. BROUGHTON.—Goes to Char lotte in charge of the Buford Hotel Sa loon. His plaice on Fayetteville stret, known as the Acme Wine Company, will be used by the Western Union Telegraph Company. No arrangement has been made about the Capital Club Saloon. MILLER AND WEST—The Yarborough House bar is closed and a case will be in stalled. Messrs. Miller and West are in the saloon business in Greensboro. R. C. BATCHELOR.—WiII go to Rich mond and open a bar on Main street. His place on Martin street is for rent. BENSON AND KELLY.—Have not de cided on any plans yet. A. G. DENTON.—WiII look after his farming interests in Wake. NICK DEBOY.—WiII engage in farm icg. Has bought a farm from Col. T. M. Argo. W. D. BRIGHT.—WiII go to Chatham and engage in farming. His place will be made a clothing store. C. W. HOOVER.—Not decided as to his plans. His place will be used as a dry goods store. C .F. SHEEK.—WiII go to Hamlet where he has a distillery. A. O. WADFORD.—Has not decided. May 100 after farming interests. J. D. CARROLL.—WiII conduct a res taurant at his present place on Wilming ton street. P. B. GRIFFIS.—Has not decided, but PKICE Jo u ltr) will first seek work here and may go to some other place later. GADD & PENNINGTON.—WiII conduct a restaurant at their place on Hargett street. J- E. HAMLIN.—WiII conduct a restau rant and pool-room for colored people at his place on Wilmington street. The representative of the Robert Port ner Brewing Company, T. J..J?uquay, will remove his headquarters to Rocky Mount. Messrs. Rosenthal and Ferrall. will elimi nate the sale of liquors and continue their grocery business. Many people who buy liquors have laid in a supply from the firms goire out of business, and it is expected that for some time the dispensary sales will be light. THE SOUTHERN CONSOLIDATES. Eastern and Western Districts. Office at Greensboro Wiped Out. (Special to News and Observer.) Greensboro, N. C., Dee. 31.—1 t is an nounced here that the eastern and western district of the Southern Railway have been consolidated. C. S. McManus, pres ent General Superintendent of the west ern district, with office at Birmingham, Ala., becomes Superintendent. The gen era 1 offices will be transferred to Atlanta. S. J. Collins, General Superintendent of the eastern district, office at Greensboro, retires. The news created surprise an dregret -here. A large force of office men and wo men will lose employment unless work is provided elsewhere. DR. McIVER SPOKE. Southern Educational Association in Session at Atlanta. (By the Associated Press.) Atlanta, Ga., Dec. 31. —Matters pertain ing to the advancement of schools through out the South were discussed at today’s session of the Southern Educational As sociation. President Charles D. Mclver, of the North Carolina State Normal and Indus trial College, spoke on “Local Taxation.” The subject of school attendance was dis cussed by J. H. Phillips, of Birmingham, Alabama. Pennypacker Still Holds Back. (Special to News and Observer.) Gi’eensboro, N. C., Dee. 31. —"When Gov ernor Pennypacker, of Pennsylvania, re fused some time ago to honor the requi sition of Governor' Aycock for William /ngram, a negro in jail there charged with committing a murder here several years ago, he gave as his reason that there had been no bill of indictment found. Solici tor Brooks thereupon wrote the Governor explaining that no bill of indictment was before the grand jury because, among other things, the prisoner had fled, and it was a great saving of costs to the county to keep it off the docket until there was some probability of the alleged murderer benig captured. Today an answer came fro mthe Governor, stating that the ex planation is not satisfactory; that he must have affidavits showing why no bill of in dictment was found, and that he still fails to understand anw how, for three year 3 after a murder was coinrrfitted no bill of indictment was ever sent before the grand jury. The chief of police of Harrisburg writes Chief Scott that he will hold In gram until court meets in January. Two Killed, a Third Mortally Hurt. (By the Associated Press.) Roanoke, a., Dec. 31.—News was re ceived here today of an accident on Tues day of Fugate’s Lumber plant, in Tase well county, this State, which resulted in the death of two men, the fatal injury of another and the serious injury of three others. Six men were in a car on an incline railroad when the car broke loose and dashed down the mountain-side to the rocks below. The dead: JOHN CARTER, aged 22, married. RILEY HOUCHINS, aged 21, unmarried. The injured: Walter Kennedy, aged 28, married, will die; Edward Burke, Ed. Houehins, Matthew Low. Had a Narrow Escape. (By the Associated Press.) Richmond, Va., Dec. 31.—M B. Fl>rs heim, of Richmond, had a narrow escape from death in the Iroquois theatre fire. He left the building, leaving behind his overcoat, hat and gloves. Mr. Florsheim is in Chicago on a visit to his mother, Mrs. Florsheim, and his brother-in-law, I. Flegenheimer, both of whom formerly lived in Richmond. One of the Victims. (By the Associated Press.) Newport News, Va., Dec. 31. —Miss Min nie Overlook, of Middlesex county, Va., whose escape from the Iroquois theatre wa sreported in today's Associated Press story from Chicago, is well known in so ciety of Saluda, Middlesex county, Va. Before going to Chicago she wrote to her friend, Mrs. T. J. Chewning, of this city, that sue would pay her a visit here be fore returning to her home in Middlesex. Miss Overlook was reported among the missing in Wednesday night” report of the disaster and to this probably is due the erroneous report of her death appear ing in Virginia afternoon papers today. Disbandment of Negro Troops. (By the Associated Press.) Savannah, Ga., Dec. 31.—At a meeting of the executive committee of the Officers' Assoc'ation of Georgia State troops, a resolution was adopted recommending the disbandment of the colored troops of tluJ State. The introduction of the resolution was j attended bv bitter, argument and was j adopted by a vote of five to three.