The Newo Has the Largest Circulation of Any Afternoon Paper Published in the Two Carolines FOUR O'CLOCK EDITION. HJ 3ABI .0 1 n y NEWS. FOUR O'CLOCK EDITION THE ONLY EVENING ASSOCIATED PRESS NEWSPAPER IN CHARLOTTE. ESTABLISHED 1888. Cabman on The Witness Stand In Mains Trial Martin Skura, Who Drove Hains Brothers to Yocht Club on Fatal Dav Gives His Testimony. Szvears That Thornton Ordered Him to Get as Close as Possible to the Club Stage 'Containing Mrs. Annis. By Asociajed Press. Flushing, N. Y., Dec. 21. In the tri ::1 ef Thornton J. Haines in connection with the killing of William E. Annis, Maitin Skura the cabman who drove il:o Hains brothers to the Yacht club v tlie day of the shooting was a wit- t-ss this morning. He testified that on the way to the club lie was directed to let the club stage which was nlKv.d of them pass them. Did you hear the defendant say bvniething when the stage went by?" ' Yea. some one said" 'we'll go him now: The cabman said he saw Mrs. An nis alight from the stage at the club. The witness said the defendant and the other man left his cab at the club and the two men entered the club house. Skura said that about ten minutes after the two men entered the club house they came out and went down to the dock. Did the defendant tell you how far you were to drive behind the stage?" "The defendant said," 'keep behind the stage about one hundred feet.' Near the club house grounds he told me to get as close to the stage as I could, which I did." 1 FOR THE MISRI P OF THE WORLD l!y Associated Press. Sydney. X. S. Dec. 24. The fight on Saturday for the heavy weight weight championship of the world between "Tommy" Burns, heavy weight pugi list, and .Tack Johnson, the colored fighter is today the chief topic of con versation in Sydney. The betting on Burns is a point stronger. Four days ago it favored Burns at 5 to 4, and a large amount had been placed at these figures.. Mcintosh, the promoter of the con test has finally agreed to be referee at at the request of both fighters. Au ms A ctive ly The Race Special to Th Tews. Greensboro, C, Dec. 24. From the article in . Industrial News, Judge Adams's oi. yesterday morn ing it would appear that this gentle man was actively in the race at last for the Judgeship of the Eastern Dis trict. The coming here yesterday of Col. Skinner, in quest of the same po sition evidently caused the "receptive -lcandidate" in the Western District to become a real live one. A. H. Price, of Salisbury, former Assistant District Attorney, and a strong rival of Thom as Sejtle in their recent contest for a Florida-United Stales Judgeship, was here last night, and is a heavy Adams boomer, lie had a conference with Judge Adams and quasi interview in the organ this morning is the first gun in the coming battle for place be tween the State Chairman and the Eastern District Attorney. There is no doubt about the Eastern man's having got the jump on the Western man, so far a official endorse ment and judicial approval is concern ed, but the chairman can easily down the other should it come to question of party political endorsement, for he controls the machinery. CHARLOTTE, N. C , THURSDAY EVENING DECEMBER 24, 1908 PRICE 5 CEN TS .L. i 7 'xs&zz?, JsZA THE SOUTH'S CHRISTMAS! That. Buick Car Will Be Yours. If You Try Chicago After. By Associated Press. Chicago, Dec. 24. In the struggle to secure a fair portion of the business of the southeast for Chicago, the Chicago Association of Commerce has received material aid from the Illinois Central, and the Nashville, Chatanooga and St. Louis Railroads. These have just established a new fast freight service which will bring Chicago a full 24 hours nearer in point of delivery to many of the mar kets of the southeast. This service is said to excel any thing which is given the southeast by the railroads which connect them yith New York, Boston and Philadelphia. Castro States His Position GLENN PROCLAIMS A DOUDLE HOLIDAY i Italeigh, Dec, 24. At the urgent rV l'i.'st of the business men of tlx , snfe Governor Glenn issues a pro clamation declaring Dec. 26 as well as Christmas day a legal holiday and on these two days instead of one the people may observe the usual Christ mas custom.. "BATHHOUSE" HARD TO TRY Jury Not Complete for Chicago Alder man's' Ball Assault Case: . -Chicago. Dec. 24. After almost ah ntire day's work, 11 jurors were ob tainoii today in the case of Alderman John Cougklin, known as Bathhouse," who is charged with assault and bat 'ery in trying to keep Lyman Atwell, a newspaper photographer, from taking pictures of the crowds' at the First vanl ball last week. Several venire r. were excused on the ground that had attended the ball. It is ex itc ff., that-the trial will begin' tomorrow. While Doubting Accuracy of Reports, is Resolved to Place no Difficulties in Way of New Govern ment. By Associated Press. Berlin, Dec. 24. Cipriano Castro this morning gave a statement torthe Associated Press which virtually amounts to an abandonment of his present claims to the presidency of the Venezuelan republic. The state ment follows: " "After 'taking cognizance of every thing printed in the- newspapers from Venezuela, I doubt the attitude there in attributed to the present govern ment at Caracas. But I will have more to say on this subject when 1 am. in better health and when I have full knowledge of what . has oc curred. "In any event I shall place no difficulties in the way of the present administration of Venezuela in set tling the pending controversies with foreign governments, even if, this should involve my own withdrawal from activity in the affairs of the nation. Heavy Christmas Travel. The railroads are omlng in for "i'-'ir share of the Christmas, rush. Every one of the trains are running !ato and it is with no little difficulty ifcat schedules are being maintained. 'J. 30 came in this morning four fcours; ts,-0 37 nearly two hours lato ftiir No. 11 two hours or more. ABE ATTEL ID "BIG" MACKEY New Orleans, La., Dec. 24. Abe At tel, the former champion featherweight lighter, and "Biz" Mackey, of Cin cinnati, have been engaged to furnish the main bout at the boxing show to be pulled off at the Southern Athletic club tomorrow night. The articles call for ten-round contest, the men to u'iirli 4- 1 no i ai For Masonic'flome for Aged And Indigent Specia 1 to The -News. . Raleigh, N. C, Dec. 24. Grand Mast tr S. M. Gattis, Hillsboro, of the North Carolina Grand Lodge of Masons, who is here preparing for the annual ses sion of t bp. Grand Lodae. January 12 to 15, predicts that within less than live years the grand lodge will estao lish its long dreamed of home for aged and indigent Masons, leading in this work just as North Carolina Masonry led thirty odd years ago in the orphan age work of the state. He believes that within five. years the finances of the Grand Lodge temple will be so ad justed as to admit of opening the home with proceeds from the temple rentals. Grand Master Gattis is expecting dis tinguished Masons from all parts of the country tor tne ceremonies aeai cating the temple at the approaching session and says, information from lodges in 'every part of the state indi cate that by far the greatest gathering of Masons ever brought together in the state will be here for the formal opening of the tmple by the - Grand Lodge. . 1 BROKE HIS LIQUOR. V- - ; '; So That He Didn't Have 2 1-2 Gal lons When Arrested. A nice question dame before the Recorder this morning. AlberJ Blair, colored, was charged with retailing. He got off the train, acted in a suspicious manner and before Officer Pitts could arrest him he broke cr.Tno of his liauor bottles enough to 'make the quantity he "had less than 9iA gallons. Mr. Newell argued that .he was 4ot guilty under the statute The Recorder sent the case np. Mail Boxes Are Clogged A Package in The Post Office for Everybody in Town Nothing Re mains Bui Pop Stick and Cap Pistols. This is the day before Christmas, and a glorious one it is. It marks the end of Christmas shopping, and the be ginning of the small boys' delight. The pleasant task of mailing Christ mas presents is over and nobody is . . i tt t ri J i- i any jaappier man uncie oaui s poeu ui- fice clerks and the men in the express office. Everybody waits for to-morrow. ' K Vlt cannot be denied that Christmas shopping this year was the greatest ever known in Charlotte. Those who have mingled with the crowds and who have been told by merchants that shopping this year was the heaviest on record have never disbelieved it, but if there had been any doubting Thomases a visit to the postoffice would remove every shadow of doubt. Mr. W. B. Bradford, assistant post master, slipped out of the office this morning long enough to visit the news paper offices and ask the reporters to say that Sunday hours will be observ ed to-morrow. All windows except in the money order' department, will be opened froni 12 to 1 o'clock. The carriers will make' no deliveries dur ing the day and those who are expect ing something in the mails will not get them until Saturday unless they get in line to-morrow at noon. Mr. Bradford was asked how the postoffice rush compared with that of last year. "I don't believe the office has ever handled so great an amount of busi ness." he said, "and I believe there is a package there for everybody in town but me." Yesterday was "mailing day" and be sides the tremendous pile of incoming bags the clerks handled during the day and night just as many bags of outgoing mail. Everybody who made purchases weeks and even months ago tried to crowd their dainty Christmas decorated packages in the big Jnail boxes on the streets all at the same time. The result can well be imagin ed. In a few minutes they were over-' flowing and scores of packages were carried to the postoffice. The postal carriers made extra trips throughout the day. It was with the greatest" difficulty' that the boxes were kept empty, and occasionally they would be refilled before the carrier could make :'. trip to the office and re turn again. But the joy and delight that awaits the arrival of the hundreds and hun dreds of presents that will be deliver ed in Charlotte to-morrow is nothing as compared with the thousands that old Santa Clans -will place in stock ings to-night. The old fellow starts on his rounds just after the sun sets, when the little folks hegin going to bed, and will have about s-.ll he can do until the chickens crow in the morning. The little boys, some of whom, have just passed into their teens and some who "have not, who have awaited; with almost unbearable suspense the time when they will be allowed to use their pop-sticks and toy ca.p-pistols, are joy ous to-day. At S. o'clock to-night they can rop and shoot just as much as they please, anywhere and every where, and they may continue to do so until 12 o'clock to-morrow night. The city officials had an informal con ference yesterday afternoon and nam ed the hour. Hundreds of pop sticks and pistols have been sold all with an abundant supply of ammunition, and it is need less to say that there will be plenty of noises from these instruments as well as every other kind of a noise making machine, in Charlotte to-night and to-morrow. Mr. Ted Wylie, of New York, son of Dr. W. Gill Wylie, president of the Southern Power Company of this city, has arrived in the city and wil be here for a few days. Santa Glaus 4 For the Needy Following is a list of additional contributions to The News' Santa Claus fund. The money received is being spent to the very best ad vantage: " Cash I :.. ?2.50 Cash '1.00 Miss Jeane Parks' Wolfe. . .' 50 Charlotte Hardware Store 1.00 Cash 25 Cash 2 b Cash 25 Cash .25 Cash .25 Cash .-50 Cash .25 Cash 50 Cash ..; .25 Cash 25 Cash .50 Cash .- .:. .50 Cash :. .25 Cash 50 Arkansas Teachers to Meet. Little Rock, Ark., Dec. 24 The best program ever prepared for a metting cf the Arkansas State Teachers' asso ciation is that arranged for the annual convention to be held in this city next week. President J. B. Aswell, of the Louisiana State Normal School, Chan cellor Kirkland of Vanderbilt Univer sity, Dr. Russell, of the University of Wisconsin and several other edu cators of national prominence will be among the speakers. The local com mittee of arrangements is in receipt of advices indicating that the conven tion will be well attended by teachers from every county of the state. The session will begin Monday and con tinue four days. Hargis Case Goes to Jury By Asociated Press. ""Irvine, Ky., Dec. 24 The closing ar gument in the trial of Beach Hargis for the slaying of his fathtr were made this morning and the case is expected to go to the jury this afternoon. Christmas Cantata. The children of the First Baptist church will give a cantata tomorrow night at the church at 7:30. Tne title is "The Interrupted Program," and was published in full in yester day's News. These children will give presents instead of receiving them. Cotton Recipts. The receipts of cotton today at the local platform amounted to 58 bales at SMj cents. Onthe same date last year not a single bale of cotton was sold. BELL S REPORT CRITICISES Hi onzm On By Associated Press. v Washington, D. C, Dec. 24. The most urgent need of the United States is an adequate remedy for the evils resulting from the detached service of officers, says Gen. Bell, chief of staff in his annual report. Gen. Bell says it is a discouraging fact that in case of a sudden out break of hostilities with a first class nation there are not sufficient regular troops in the country, even when re enforced by the National Guard to form an army after deducting the necessary force to provide small gar risons at our permanent posts - and the necessary infantry . supports for qur sea coast fortifications. The in fantry arm is referred to as to weak, numerically, for the services required of it even in a time of peace. He also criticises . the cavalry organization. SCIENTISTS MEET EE IN Gun E Santiago, Chile, Dec. 24. Every thing is in readiness . for the opening of the fourth anual international Amer- GaUant Veteran Passes Away in Green Old Age Special to The News. Asheville, N. C, Dec. 24. Jonathan Nowell, aged SS years, veteran of the Mexican and civil wars, and who sought to enlist for the Spanish-American war, died at the home of his son, Charles Nowell, at West Asheville, Tuesday morning. He retained full possession of his faculties up to a short time before his death. Mr. Nowell was a deputy sheriff of jWake county, this state, when troops were mustered in for the Mexican war, and enlisted in -Company I, of the Twelfth regiment, composed almost entirely of North Carolinians, and saw much active service during the cam paign in Mexico, lie participated, with General Scott's army in the at tack upon the walled heights of Chap- ultepec, and was one of the intrepid detail which hewed a hole through the castle walls through which te troops entered the fortifications. In speaking of this incident the old veteran related that many men were shot down by his side while they were working on the walls, adding "the Mexicans stopped shooting when our men began to pick them olf every time they poked their heads over the wall to shoot at us." When the civil war broke out Mr. Nowell enlisted in the Fourteenth North Carolina regiment and served throughout the war, seeing much active service with his regiment. When war was declared agains. Spain, the doughty old veteran, still full of fight, again sought to enlist for Many Making Their Get away Before the Holi days Vote Increases New Nominations Pour ing In. ican conference, which will begin its session in this city tomorrow with an 'active service in Cuba, but was reject attendance of distinguished delegates representing practically all of the counties of the three Americas. The Government has extended a tcordial welcome to the visitors and will leave nothing undone to make the confer ence the most successful of its kind that has yet been held. The purpose of the conference, as set forth in the official call for the of the various American states in the fHrpntion nf material undertaking: and - m x special Uo- The ed on account of his age, Mr. Nowell was born in Wake coun ty, North Carolina, on August 3, 1820, but for many years past had been a resident of Buncornb county. He was the last of the Mexican war veterans in this county. Guilford Good Road Bonds .... - . ," . . V IJrofiTiahrvrn M f: .- Tlf 9.4 The to be considered, sucn as nygiene, qua-, Guilford County Highway Commission rantine, commerce between the na tions on the high seas and by over land routes and the political rights of citizens of each in relation to the oth er. The United States has sent a dis tinguished delegation to the confer ence. Includedamong its members are Dr. Leo S. Rowe, of the- University of Pennsylvania; Professor Archibald C. Coolidge of Harvard University; Pro fessor Hirm Bingham of Yale Univer sity ; Professor Paul S. Reinsch, of the University of Wisconsin; Professor Bernard Moses of the University of California; Col. William C. Gorgas, of the United States army, and chief sanitary officer of the Isthmian canal commission; William H. Holmes, of the Smithsonian institution, and Geo. M. Rommel, representing the United States department of agriculture. Retirement of Vetecan Officer. Washington. D. C, Dec. 24. After more than- thirty-one years' sei-vice, Major Francis G. , Irwin, 2d Cavalry, one of the best known officers in the army, will be retired from active ser vice tomorrow upon his own applica tion. Major Irwin is from Kentucky and was graduated at the United States Military Academy in 18S2. He reached the grade of major several weeks ago and has been stationed re cently at Fort Des Moines. GOMPERS AND HIS FRIENDS TO MEET IKE By Associated Press. Washington, D. C, Dec. 24. The whole question qf the sentencing for contempt of court -"of President Gompers, Vice President Mitchell and Secretary Morrison of the American Federation of Labor will be thrashed over at a meeting of the executive council of the Federation to ba held on January the 11th. Secretary Morrison said: "We pur pose to exnaust every effort to. sus tain every tright to a free press and free speech. I believe and I am con fident that the position taken by the Federation is right." It is ftot likely that the argument on the appeal will be heard in the court EXEGUT COUNCIL has advertised for sealed bids for board construction bonds of $55,000 to beopened January 18, 1909. This series is the last of the $300, 000 of good roads, authorized by the people of the county at an election held here six years ago. These bonds constitute- the only debt the county has, and this issue of $55,000 will no doubt bring a big premium. When used, the county will have about 100 miles of macadam roads to show for the investment, which is now general ly realized to have been the wisest the county ever madt. Sportsmen's Show Opens in Boston Boston, Mass., Dec. 24. The annual sportsmen's show of the New England Forest, Fish and Game Association opened in Mechanics Building today for practically a two weeks' session. The interior of the big building has been transformed into a bit of wood land surrounding a lake where the aquatic performances are to take place. All the features of the previous years are retained, while a number of novelties have been added. Among some of the principal features of the show will be an indoor rifle shooting tournament, under the auspices of the National Rifle Shooting Association of America; an athletic carnival, a fly and casting tournament and a new se ries of moviDg pictures of fishing, hunting and outdoor scenes. DR. WHITE'S SCHOOL in of the District March. of Columbia until DISTRESSING SUICIDE. Aged Man Takes His Own Life On Ac count of Grief at Sons' Intoxication. Special io The News. Raleigh, N. C, Dec. 24. Bennett Wall committed suicide this morning by blowing off tor. of his head with a shotgun. ""t ' . - Two sons had slipped three gallons of whiskey into the home and tanked up. The aged father, beside himself with srief . took his own life. Rev. D. A. Tedder Enthusiastic Its Praises. Rev. Daniel Allen Tedder returned last night from New York city, where he has been studyifig at the Bible Teachers' Training School. This is the Bible school of which Dr.,Wilbert W. White is president. Dr. White recently delivered a series of lec tures in the First Presbyterian church, of Charlotte. He formerly taught the English Bible in Prince ton Theological Semninary and at the Moody Training School, and is the author of perhaps a dozen books relating to the best methods of Bible study. Mr. Tedder speaks enthusiastically of the work which Dr. White and his large corps of assistants are doing. He considers the school much su perior to other theological seminar ies, because; in addition to the usual courses, it lays special emphasis on the study of the English Bible and on actual practice in Cnnstian worK. Nearly all of the students teach or preach in or near New York city. Among the alumni are missionaries to at least seventeen foreign coun tries, and perhaps fifty or seventy five of the students expect to work in the foreign field. The school 7 is co-educational and interdenomination al. In connection with the sehool, which is located at No. 541 Lexington avenue, is a large hotel , where the students; friends, .and hundreds of other Christian people throughout America are accustomed to board while visiting in New York. Remember the Contest is Just Under Way Whv Not Make One of The Dozen and Half Costly Prizes Yours. The Christmas rustle, hustle and bustle is catching, and all the "Daily News" auto contestants have it, and have it bad. The intense interest manifested by citizens in general surpasses afl ex-1' pectations. The girls mix "Contest Talk" with their Christmas shopping; and the young fellows exchange it at the candy and cigar raffles. Already many thousand votes have been poll ed for the various candidates in thia Great Contest; for the valuable and costly prizes and for the great ' honor conferred upon the winner of such a race. The valuable prizes offered by The News are so liberal in nature that the most ambitious and wide-awake men and women in Charlotte and vicinity are rapidly seeing that it is to their interest to get in and make a pains taking effort to win. While the Con test Man was out calling on con testants Wednesday afternoon, one charming young lady said: "Oh, how I wish I were a man. Why, 1 i wouldn't hesitate a moment, but jump., into the race and win it as a busi ness venture. But I don't care if I am not a man," she .continued ? after a minute's 'fa'use," "I ? ani going - to enter the contest and get the auto anyway, and what's more I am going to start bright and early tomorrow morning so that I can get the prom- ' ise of all the renewals due. the first of the year. You know I would real- ly rather have the lot," she confided, 1 "but it would sound so much better to win the auto." This young lady had the right idea and is sure going to be a leader of the lists. Now is the time to start out and see your friends before the otMer fellow has a chance to see them. Let every citizen of Charlotte know that you are in The News' "Great Tripple Prize" contest and that you' are expecting their support. You will get a renewal or new subscription from most of. them. It is a worthy ambition to get to the top of the list but it is also a good idea to start a reserve fund of votes, to drop into the ballot box at some future date when you think ' its necessary and also to have a bunch in reserve for the concluding night when the real strength of con testants is shown.' Why show your hand to the other fejlow? It will just make him work the harder if you keep a slight lead. Later on in. the contest of course it is good judgment to maintain the lead of your district as many who have Jio direct interest in the contest will cast their votes on what they believe to be the win ning side. The new nominations keep pace with the old votes and the list grows rapidly from day to day. The slight advantage gained by some can be readily overcome by any new nomi nee who will devote a few hours to seeing their friends. Following is a list of the contest ants and their standing up to 2 p. -m. Wednesday afternoon: Phone for the Contest Man. There is an idividual now con nected with The News office whose business it is to talk to interested parties and explain all about the de tails of the contest. That's what ha is here for so don't hesitate hut come right down to the office and take up as much of his time as you like. He will tell you everything about the contest that you care tox know and answers all questions reg ular contest encyclopedia. Come in and let him tell you how to win: How to ecure otes in News' Great Contest. In addition to the ballots published daily in The News, votes may be se cured by turning in paid-in-advance subscriptions, which will entitle a candidate to votes according: to the 11 m -am iouowing scneauies: ? Old. Subscribers. $5.00, One Year . . ... . . 5,000 votes $2.50, Six Months 2,000 votes $1.50, Fifteen Weeks. .. . 1,000 votes $1.00, Ten Weeks .. .. .. 600 votes $10.00, Two Years .. .. ..15,000 votes $1.00, One Year, Times Democrat .. 600 votes $2.00, Two Years. Times-Dem- crat . . 1,500 rotes New subscribers will be entitled, to double the above number of vote. Awarding of Prizes. First Grand Prize The candidate securing the greatest number1 of votes in the entire contest, fegadless of" district, wiir be awarded the first Continued on Page Seven,