The Birmingham News from Birmingham, Alabama • 1

INGHAM 12 PAGES TODAY fi 11SI1 I Of Conditions in Islands of Samoa. if A i IKS OF IIS Chronic Valvular Disease of the Heart, With Complications, the Immediate Cause. i UST NUB' IN SPOKEN 10 IIS BUD WIFE. End Came So Suddenly That Several Members of the Family Did Not Reach the Dying Statesmans Dedside. The Remains to Lie in.

State in City of Montgomery. Ml HON. WILLIAM D. JELKS, President of the State Senate, who under tbe Constitution become Governor of Alabama. 1 IK assisted by Rev.

J. F. Purser, and the other ministers of the city. i i hi i 4 i 1-r Ti I fi 4 v. a to, AW kV rs it HON.

WILLIAM Governor of Alabama, who died Democratic ticket in the Hayes-Tllden contest. In 1878, be represented the Third District in Congress, and no member ever assumed a higher position in one term. He was not a candidate for re-election. In 1882, he represented Lee county in the Legislature. In 1884 and again in 1892, Colonel Samford represented the Senatorial District composed of Lee and Russell.

He was one of the most prominent members, and was the author of much valuable legislation In 1891, be was President of the State Senate, and It is universally admitted he made one of the ablest and most courteous presiding officers that body ever bad. Last jear Colonel Samford entered the race for Governor, the other candidates being Gen. Charles M. Shelley, Hon Jesse F. Stall'ngs, Hon Charles E.

Waller and Col John W. Torntm-son. the latter withdrawing just before the State Convention assembled. The history of that campaign la fresh in the minds of Alabamians Colonel Samford made a quiet canvass and when the State Convention met in Montgomery last April he was nominated by a large majority and amid much enthusiasm. His was a popular choice as he was distinctly a man of the ppople.

Five or six weeks before he was due to lie inaugurated as Governor he was taaken violently ill at his home at Opelika and remained in a critical condition for eeks. The entire State was In bus pen sp and news from the sick room of the distinguished man was awaited from day to day with anxious interest. Finally, as soon as the Legislature convened, It enacted a law whereby tbe oath could be administered to the Governor elect at a place other than, at the rapitol in the presence of the Legislature. This was done to enabe Colonel Samford to be sworn in at home, and the oath was given to him as soon as he was physically able to take it after his election bad been officially declared. When December 1.

inauguration day came around, the new Governor was still unable to go to Montgomery to enter upon the discharge of the high duties to which bis fellow citizens had palled him. and Hon. W. D. Jelks, President of the State Senate, became Acting Governor.

On December 26, Governor Samrord reached Montgomery and took charge of the executive office. But he was never a w-ell man after his loDg and complicated illness fall, which finally developed into an affection of the heart. However, he continued in the discharge? of his duties with that fidelity and conscientiousness which marked the man. Four or five weeks ago he and his wife went to Stafford Springs for a brief period of recuperation. En route home they stopped at Tuskaloosa, intending to remain over until after the meeting of the Board of Trustees of the State University and the University commencement.

The Governor was not well then, but he attended most of the meetings of the trustees and a week ago from last Monday he reviewed the cadet corps from a closed carriage during a drizzling rain. On Thursday of lnRt week his condition had been alarming He was stopping at the residence of Prof, arm Mrs. A. A. Persons.

He became worse front day to day until the end came. Governor Samfoid was a prominent Mason. Knight of Pythias and a member of other charitable and philanthropic organizations He was prominent in church affairs and Sunday school work, being a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and was twice a delegate to the General Conference of that -church. He was a man of distinct literary attainments and scholarly accomplishments and baa been a frequent contributor to the press and magazines on every vital public Governor Samford was a life long Democrat, a lawyer of great ability and a man of high idenls and spotless character, C. F.

PETERSON DEAD. Chicago, June 12-0. F. Peterson. Swedish author and newspaper editor, is dead.

Mr. Peterson ranked among the ioremost Swedish writers of America lie had written a dozen books on historical, pcflitical and sociological matters in Swedish and to shet newspaper readers of his nationufotv had been known for thirty years fnfder the an iTred- nora de plumes of cpP erik." I V-4 i I 1 j. 5. I 'V 4 tl J. SAMIORD, at Tuskalooea last night.

INDUSTR1ES OF THE BRITISH In Goolf Condition. Shipbuilders Fully Employed. New York, June 12. The London correspondent of the Tribune says: "The leading Industries of this country are with oue or two exceptions more active now- than they have been since the beginning of the year. Shipbuilders appear to be fully employed, and Glasgow boasts of having achieved success in obtaining a large contract for steel tubes for South America In the face of keen competition of some United States firms.

"In the textile industry the outlook Is. however, not very blight. Readers of the Mail, Inspired by the articles In that paper on the subject of tbe American trade invasion of Great Britain, nr allowed to give veutTo-tbelr views in its columns. Rome of them aver that the invasion is a myth; say that tbe Americans do not play a fair game, and a small minority insist that the invasion is in many respects a blessing. THE IIEiADLDRS WOMAN.

Lowell, Mass, June 12 The woman whbse headless body was found In Chelmsford w-oods last Sunday and whose head was found yesterday was identified today as Mm Margaret Blondra of Boston. The dead woman married Mr Blondin. a French Canadian mill operative last February. It is not known where he is. CHOKER'S HORSE WON.

London, June 12 Richard Croker's Flambard. L. Reiff, won the Imperial Cup Handicap of 400 sovereigns In specie and a cup valued at fifty sov erelgns at the Lingfield Park Spring meeting today. Ten horses started. BILLS OF EXCHANGE Lowered at Managua.

Of. fer to Put in Water Works. Correspondence of the Associated Press Managua. Nicaragua, May 22 Bills of exchange on New York: which bad been at a premium of 300 per cent In Nicaragua during April and up to May 12 have fallen to 210 per cent premium. There had been only a few buyers at the high rate The usual rate is from 180 to 190 per cent prem ium.

Christian Barrett, of the United States, is here negotiating writh the municipality of Managua for the introduction of a system for supplying the city with pure drinking water. The present water company pumps the fluid into its reservoirs from the western margin of Lake Managua where is received, by the flow of rain water, the filth washed from the yards and streets of the city, even the remains of dead animals, such as pigs, cats and rats. bein thus conveyed into the lake. Yellow fever is epidemic at Liberia in Costa Rica, near the southern boundary of Nicaragua and the latter country is taking measures to prevent the spread of the disease to San Juan Del Norte (Greytown), Nicaragua, near Libera. Newspapers here declare that the government of Nicaragua has issued a decree not yet made pubic permitting the Maritime Canal Company of Nicaragua" to collect at San Juan Del Norte (Greytown) and Sau Carlos all of its utensils and provisions before paying the duty on the articles and sell them This decree evidently refers to the isthmlam Canal Commission, to which Nicaragua granted the right to introduce, free of duty, all machinery, materials and supplies of food needed for the engineers and laborers.

The surplus now In Nicaragua Is to be collected at the places named, examined, listed and sold, after the duty is paid, so that the Canal Commission can have a legalized list of the surplus in Nicaragua and a reliable sale of more surplus to report to the United States government. When the decree is published the name The Ithm1am Canal Company of the Inited States will appear instead of the Maritime Canal Company of Nicaragua, referred to by the Managua paper, -s And Their Disposition Do Well. They Are Sober and Love Peace. to IS LEFT IN San Francisco, June 12. Commander B.

G. Tilley, United States Navy, Governor of the United States possessions In Samoa, who has just arrived here on a leave of absence, discussing conditions there, said: We have permitted the natives to follow their own customs when they were not pernicious. Tt was necessary to reform their customs regulating marriage and divorce. The uniqueness of the conditions and the remotenej from higher authority compelled to act the part, of a supreme law-giver, as well as that of an executive officer. I Issued ordinances -forbidding the transfer of real property to whites by natives, and regulating contracts between natives and whites.

The ordinances were necessary for the protection of the natives, and the general laws of the United States do not flt the conditions in the Island. The possessions are divided Into counties, each governed by a native officer appointed by the American Commander. This system has pleased tbe Samoans. Recently the chiefs at Faga Togo offered the water front land to the government at a reasonable price, and announced that they would build a Presbyterian Church with the money. The London mission works among them.

All the natives are Christians and extremely religious. Peace was what the islanders needed. They had been warring perpetually, and the warfare Interfered with production. The soil voluntarily yields bread fruit, cocoanuts and everything the Samoans require to eat, and there is really no reason why they should work. It is not surprising, therefore, that they are inclined to Idleness.

Under the American stimulus the product of our possessions ought to double within a year or two. The area of plantations is Increasing. Copra is the principal production, although tbe cocoa and tobacco crops are worth notice. The white population of American Samoa Is about 110 all told. Tbe Samoans are not permitted to have whisky, but they do not like it anyway, and there is no trouble to keep them sober.

They are a brave, war-like, hospitable people, quite the finest natives I have ever Our government ought. If possible, to preserve the race from admixture. We have enlisted fifty-eight Samoans In the navy as landsmen, ordinary seamen and petty officers. They are kept ashore and are the military resource of the Island. They are wonderfully proud of their uniforms.

They take to firearms like ducks to water, and rapidly become experts In the school of the soldier. An enlisted Samoan, drawing $16.20, $20 or $30 In American money. Is a tremendous swell among tbe natives. He makes a good soldier, fighting being the Samoans specialty- I do not think the commerce of the Island will ever amount to a great deal. The chief value of the Islands to this country Is the great harbor, which Is protected against hurricanes, a bd can eaafly be made secure against en enemy.

Congress has passed an appropriation to enable ns to enlarge the coal storage capacity of the harbor to 1C, 000 tons, enough to coal a fleet. German Samoa Is doing well nnder Governor Solf, a broad-minded man. Lieutenant-Commander Dorln is now In command at Samoa. GERMANS ANNOYED. Apia.

Samoa. May 29. There lamucji annoyance felt In the German colony over the articles appearing In the United States press about that place and drawing comparisons with the government of the United- States at Tutulla. The criticisms are declared to be unfair. Tbe German Governor has, It is said, acted with a greet de8l of tact In dealing with the natives, and succeeded in the difficult task he had before him.

He has brought the rival factions together, and now there is a desire to unite and form a strong government. Tbe natives are contented, for they are left prettv woll to themselves, and have not felt anv harsh rule." The government has started In purchasing the whole of th! native and alien claims on the beach front In Fagatot. This gives the gov eminent a long stretch of sea front and land for all purposes. SERIOUS TROUBLE FEARED Helena, Mont, June 12. A speilaJ from Red Lodge.

says that serious trouble is threatened with the Arapahoe Indian on the Shoshone reservation, Just across the State line la Wvomlng. Tbe reds have openly defied the authorities and are prepare lug for the barbortous Stm Dance. The State militia has been ordered to the scene. KILLBD BY STREET CAR Torre Haute, Ind June 12 Rue. II Bemect, aged 25 years, a killed by a street car this morning.

He youngest son of George Bciei, of the leading business rn.cn In -n Indiana and wa vrumlacnt In ri-i s. PUNE 1 II Special to the Birmingham News. Tuskaloosa, Ala, June 12. Governor (William J. Sam ford died last night at UO 56 oclock.

His condition yesterday at noon was slightly better. His pulse was stronger and his heart action better. About 4 oclock, however, he began to grow worse and his physician, Dr. W. G.

Somerville, was hastily summoned. Dr. Somerville when he arrived realized that his patient was in a critical condition, but even then he thought It possible that he might live for several hours, and perhaps two or three days. His death came suddenly. At ten minutes to 11 oclock the Gov oj nor aroused and was partly conscious.

He recognized the members of his family and called his wift by the pet name of Old Thoie were the last words he spoke, ant In less than five minutes without any forewarning and asftba physician was preparing for hlbyperdermlo the Governor's heart and respiration began rapidly to fUlk In a few seconds he breathed his last. At his bedside were his wife, Mrs. of his children, Miss Carrie and Kate SamCord and Rohard Samford, his brother, O. A. I Samford, Mrs A.

A. Persons and Drs. William G. Somerville, G. R.

Ray and William Faulk. The trouble from which Governor Samford suffered was chronic valvular disease of the heart, complicated by nephritis. The immediate cause of his death was bypostadie congestion, of the lungs, which developed yesterday, causing shortness of breath and spitting of blood. T. D.

Samford. the Governor's son and Private Secretary; Mrs. T. D. Samford, W.

H. Samford and Mrs. Barnes Smith, one of tle Governor's married daughters, were wired for yesterday evening, and started at 9 oclock 'from Montgomery. When the train reached Centerville, about 12 oclock," they were met by tjae mess'age that Governor Samford was dead. They were accompanied by rrof.

A. A. Persons, who had gone to Auburn to deliver an address before the Alumni Society. All of the Governor's family are here now except Mrs. S.

A. Dowdell, of Opelika, who is detained by the serious Illness of a child. Mrs. Samford has borne the ordeal of the past several days bravely, and Mr. T.

D. Samford says that his mother Is still showing the fortitude which has made it possible to nurse and care for her husband during months of anxiety. Mr. Samford stated that every kindness had been shown them in the Persons home, and nothing had been left undone for the comfort of the sufferer. All In Tuskaloosa have shown solicitude.

This morning flags at. the University and at some of the residences of the faculty are at half mast. A special train bearing a delegation from the Constitutional Convention who will act as an escort to the remains arris ed from Montgomery at 2 pm. The funeral party started from the Persons residence at OO oclock to meet the special train and proceed immediately to Montgomery. The acting escort to the funeral train In Tuska-loosa was made up of the Governors staff and the Tuskaloosa Warrior Guards.

The honorary and active pall bearers were Mayor W. G. Cochrane. Senator George D. Johnston, Hon.

F. 8. Moody, Col H. Foster, Hon, Daniel W. Collier.

D. B. Dugger and members of the University faculty, President Pro Tem W. S. Wyman, Professors W.

Pal- mer, W. B. Saffold, C. McCorvey and Eugene Smith. Major W.

W. Brandon, Adjutant General and Chief of Staff will have charge of the funeral. Before the funeral party left the Fersons residence, simple but impressive funeral services were held, only the members of the immediate family and a few friends being present. All stores In (Tuskaloosa closed during the hour of procession to the funeral train. The funeral train will reach Montgomery flyout 6 o'clock.

The remains wiliafejken to the Capitol, where a lie In state until Friday in It be a on of he of SORROW AT OPELIKA. Special to the Birmingham News. Opelika. Ala, June 12 News of the death of Governor Samford, which oc-'currcd at Tuskaloosa last night was received in this citv, his home, with profound sorrow. The people of this city mourn his death as a personal loss for nowhere was Governor Samford held higher esteem than at his home, where he was best known.

Many telegrams have been received by members of the family here expressing sorrow over the governors death and extending sympathy to the bereaved family. The funeial will take place from the Methodist eliurpb In this city Friday morning at 10 o'clock and will be conducted by Rev. II. D. Moore, the pastor.

Governor, Sam ford was a prominent member of this church and was always active in its affaire. The Interment will be at the city cemetery. CONVENTION ADJOURNS. Special to the Birmingham News Montgomery, Ala June 12. The Constitutional Convention met) this morning and after calling the roll Immediately adjourned until 12 oclock tomorrow- out of respect to the dead Chief Executive.

A committee, of whjch General Harrison is Chairman, with fcx-Governors and Oates and Mr Ashcraft, was appointed to go to Tuskaloosa and return as an escort with the remains. The body will reach here at fi p. and be taken to the Capitol, where It will. He in state until tomorrow, when will be taken to Opelika for burial The State officers, the menders of the contention and ail who can go will taken on a special train in the morning to Opelika to attend the funeral. details of the funeral have not been announced, hut It 1r sure that the remains will lie In state here.

SKETCH OF HIS LIFE. Hon. William Samford was born near, Gainesville. Ga Septembeo 16. 1S14.

and was. therefore, in his fifty-seventh year. He was descended from some of the most prominent families In Georgia and Alabama, several of whom are illustrious In Southern his tory. His. father was William F.

Samford. planter and a man of literary taste and tendencies. The elder Samford achieved some distinction just after the civil war by writing a series of political letters bearing on Southern conditions for the New York Tribune He wrote under the nora de plume of Warwick. When the subject of this sketch Was two years old he removed with his parents to Chambers county. Alabama.

He resided there but a short time, when the family removed to Macon county, near Tuskegee. Colonel Samford spent all but the first two years of his life in East Alabama. His boyhood days were spent the farm and in a printing office. He was emphatically a self-made man. He received a high school education, but was unable to attend college because of the breaking out' of the civil war.

At Jhe age of 17 he entered the Con-fedeiate army and for four long years faced the deadly storm of shot and shell In defense of the Southern cause, which was always dear to his heart He was made a Lieutenant of the Forty-sixth Alabama Infantry and earned for himself the reputation of a valiant soldier and efficient officer. After the war he returned to Auburn and entered business and began to make a living for himself. In mio he married Miss Carrie Drake, daughter Dr. J. E.

Drake, of that place. From this union eight children have resulted, Messrs. W. n. Samford, a member of the Constitutional Convention: Thomas his private secretary, and "who has been conducting the affairs of the gubernatorial office during bis father's Illness; Richard L.

and Walter Samford. Mrs. S. A. Dowdell and Mlssea Carrie and Katie May Samford and Mrs.

James Smith After his marriage he read law and was admitted to the bar at Opelika in 1866 and afterwards practiced law at Opplika. Beginning In the year 1868 Immediately gained mueh reputation. afterwurds becoming noted as a profound constitutional lawyer and a matchless debater, his eloquence being unusual force His first public service was aq an elector on the Democratic ticket in 1872. He was a- member of the Constitutional Convention of and although one of the youngest members, no one took a more prominent part In theldeliberatlons. He was the author of the limitation on taxation and other Important features.

In 1876 he was a a elector on the from Barbour by an overwhelming majority over two popular opponents. In 1900 he was elected President of that body. He was Acting Governor of Alabama from December 1 to December 26 last year during the illness of Governor Samford. Mr. Jelks was married to Miss Alice Shorter, the beautiful and accomplished daughter of Maj.

Henry R. Shorter, for many years President of thq Alabama Railroad Commission. They have one child. Miss Catherine, a young lady of 15, who inherits her mother's beauty. Mr.

Jelks resides in the famous Shorter home, a splendid type of the old Southern home, on College Hill, In Eufaula. Mr. Jelks Is a man whose public and private life has been without a stain. A man against whose Integrity no scandal has ever cast an aspersion, and whose word 1b bis bond. One who Is slow in giving promises, but whose political Tvord once pledged is never broken: one who, when he decides upon a question is unswerving in his course and remains unmoved either by threats of disaster or pledges of profit.

He is, moreover, a man of signal ability. He has a clear and thorough mind. His judgment is calm but rapid. His mental acuteness Is remarkable, but no less so than his firmness. He Is yet a young man, and for that reason his reputation as a leader and a statesman Is not as extensive as some others In Alabama.

But the Senators who worked with him In the General Assembly, the men who have been at his side in many hard-fought political battles, are bis wannest admirers and respecters. There are but few of these who are not enthusiastic la praises of his mental gifts. All give honor to his unswerving political honesty and firmness. In person the new Governor -is decidedly well favored. He would be considered a handsome man In any assemblage.

He is above the medium height, a little under 5 feet 10. His complexion is blonde and he wears a mustache. He is rather particular In his dresss, and has hd unaffected address. winning and pleasing. He has been a success in every undertaking in life.

He Is energetic, conservative and well poised and is splendidly equipped for the high office to hich he Is now called. THE HAZING RULES At West Point Are Defined by the War Department. New York, June 12. According to a special to tbe Herald from Washington, stringent regulations defining and prohibiting hazing have been issued by the War Department. These regulations are the direct result of the recent mutinous proceedings at the Military Academy.

Hazing is thus defined: Any cadet who shall strike, lay bands upon, treat with violence, disturb In his room or tent, or offer bodily harm to a new cadet, or candidate, with Intent to punish, Injure, annoy, molest or harrass the same, or who shall, with the same Intent, Invite, order. compel and permit a new candidate or cadet to sweep his room or tent make his bed, bring water, clean his arms, equipments or accoutrements. or perform any other menial service for him, or to assume any constrained position, or to engage in any form of physical exercise, or who shall, with the same intent. Invite, order or compel any new cadet, 'or candidate to eat or drink any article of food or take into his mouth any articles whatever. or do for him anything incompatible with the position of a cadet and gentleman, or any cadet whose duty it is to enforce camp, barrack or mess regulations, who shall permit any new cadet or candidate to eat or drink any article of food or take Into his mouth any article whatever in violation of said regulations, shall be summarily dismissed from the Military Academy.

Hazing also includes any other treatment of a harrassing, tyrannical, abusive, shameful, insulting or humiliating character. Dismissal Is tbe penalty of violation of these rules. The practice of a duel or personal combat Is also prohibited, and the principals and other fcersonB involved or any cadet abusing or condemning another for declining to accept a challenge will be dmmhartl. Was in Beaumont, Texas, but Has Wired Will Reach Montgomery Tomorrow Morning and at Once Take Charge as Governor. SKEICH OF THE Ni EXECDTIVE Special to the Birmingham New.

Eufaula. June 12. Hon. William D. Jelks, who, by the death of Governor Samford.

succeeds to the office of Governor of Alabama, Is not at home. Mr. H. R. Shorter, his brother-in-law, states that he is In Louisiana, but be ha3 been advised of the situation by wire, and will return to the State Immediately.

Mr. Jelks was aware that Governor Samford was seriously ill, but did not contemplate such a sudden change for the worse. JELKS PROGRAMME. Special to the Birmingham News. Montgomery, June, 12.

Governor Jelks was in Beaumont. but he has telegraphed from a point in Louisiana that be is on his way home, and without accident or unexpected delay will reach here tomorrow morning. He is already Governor under the provisions of the Constitution, and there is nothing for him to do but to assume the duties and take up the functions of the office in the dls charge of official acts. 1 On reaching here he will go to the executive office and at once take up his duties and issue a proclamation announcing the Governor's death and ordering the Capitol draped in mourning and other usual formalities. He will then go to Opelika to attend the funeral with the other officers.

While the death of the Governor was not unexpected. It' has cast a gloom over public and private business and all Is on a standstill today, only the necessary things are being done. There is not a shadow of trouble about the succession, as President Jelks, under the Constitution, is Governor in fact. THE NEW GOVERNOR. Hon.

William Dorsey Jelks. of Eufaula. who, as President of the State Senate, becomes the successor of tbe late Col. W. J.

Samford as Governor of Alabama to serve until December, 1902. was born near Tuskegee, about forjy years ago. He is from one of the most prominent families in East Alabama. His father was a Confederate soldier of distinction, who commanded a com-panv from Bullock county. Mr Jelks is a graduate of Mercer College, was a classmate of Hon.

Thomas Watson, the famous Georgia Populist. In 1879 he lived in Montgomery a short while. From that city he went to Union Springs, where he published and edited the Herald, of tbit place. In 1880 he sold the Herald and bought the Eirinula Times and News, and for o'er eichleen years he owned and edited that paper. From the outset It prospeied.

He established the Dally Times, an afternoon newspaper, and that, too, was a money maker. The paper was one of the most successful in the State. It grew to be a power in that section. The editorial columns were very bright. It was perhaps the most quoted paper In Alabama.

He sold the paper In 1899 to Messrs. Moore and Muelr. Mr. Jelks, while always active In politics, has held but few offices He was an Alderman at Union Springs at 21. lie was Superintendent of Education of Eufaula for several years.

In 1898 he was elected State Senator train will then proceed where the Verna ins will be 4 funeral services will be "ik FridnyVnorning at the Mo. ath Drill. D. Moore, the gondue the services,.