Aransas Harbor Herald. (Aransas Harbor, Tex.), Vol. 1, No. 49, Ed. 1 Thursday, February 11, 1892 Page: 1 of 4
This newspaper is part of the collection entitled: The Aransas Pass Progress and was provided to The Portal to Texas History by the Ed & Hazel Richmond Public Library.
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km$%$ Harfo
Is the Coming' Seaport
of the Great Southwest,
Aransas Harbor Herald.
Haito
Has the Finest Climate
in the United States.
r"A
VOL. I. NO. 49,
ARANSAS HARBOR, TEXAS, THURSDAY, FEBRURAY 11, 1892.
$2.00 A YEAR
Rights and Privileges Conceded to the
Aransas Pass Harbor Co.
TEXT OF THE STATE AND CONGRESSIONAL ACTS
Enactments of Interest to Those Who
Closely Study the Subject of Deep
Water at Aransas Pass.
The Herald to-day publishes in
the following columns the full text of
the acts of congress and the Texas
Legislature which are the basis of the
proposed improvement of Aransas Pass
and Harbor by private capital. These
enactments are deserving of the clos-
est sudy by every one in teres ted in the
subject of a deep water outlet on the
northwest coast of the Gulf of Mexico.
The concessions granted by them to
the Aransas Pass Harbor Company
are of royal munificence and together
they constitute the most valuable com-
mercial franchise extant upon the con-
tinent. In addition to this franchise
the people of Rockport and Aransas
Harbor have raised a bonus exceed-
ing the donation once offered by St.
Louis to secure the World’s Fair.
The new organization of the Aransas
Pass Harbor Company will start into
business with a proportionatley better
financial backing than was ever before
given to a public enterprise in the
history of American institutions.
Moreover the undertaking is in the
hands of men whose material interests
are largely and vitally at stake and
the success achieved is the measure of
their profit. They cannot afford to
delay or let the work lag.
TO IMPROVE ARANSAS PASS.
LI Congress, Page 105, May 12, 1890.
Cha pter 201. An Act for improving Aransas
Pass.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of
Representatives of the United States of America,
in Congress assembled.
That the Aransas Pass Harbor Com-
pany, a corporation duly chartered
inder the laws of the State of Texas,
d their associates, assigns, succes-
ses and representatives be, and they
are hereby authorized on the condi-
tions hereinafter mentioned, to con-
struct, own, and operate such perma-
nent and sufficient jetties and break-
waters and such auxiliary works as
are necessary to create and perma-
nently maintain, as hereinafter set
forth, a navigable channel across the
outer bar which obstructs the entrance
to Aransas Pass Harbor, on the coast
of the Gulf of Mexico, in the State of
Texas, and so far into the bays and
navigable waters as may be necessary
to reach a place that will afford ample
dockage and protection from storms,
swells, cyclones and tidal waves, for
the purpose of furnishing the vessels
and bOttvTiiidapted to the purpose, fa-
cilities for navigati n in and along the
entire length of said channel, and for
that purpose they may construct in
the Gulf of Mexico and in and across
the bays and navigable waters adja-
cent thereto such walls, jetties, dikes,
levees and other structures, and em-
ploy such boats, rafts, bridges and
appliances, as they may in the prose-
cution of said work deem necessary :
Provided, That no such structure or
means employed shall hinder, delay
or interfere with the free navigation
in said channel, harbor, bays or navi-
gable waters; and to protect their
said works they may build and rnain-
tain*such levees, embankments, walls
or riprap as may be necessary to se-
cure their permanency along the banks
or shores of Mustang, Saint Joseph’s
and Harbor Islands as the United
States is authorized to grant, and to
utilize such works as the government
has already constructed, and will
hold the United States harmless from
any damage that may accrue to any
person or persons by the construction
of said walls, jetties, dikes, levees,
and other works constructed thereun-
der : Provided further, That unless
the construction of the proposed work
shall be commenced within one year
from the date of the approval of this
act and be diligently prosecuted by
the expenditure of at least three hun-
dred thousand dollars per annum there
after in the prosecution thereof until
twenty feet depth of water over the
outer bar is obtained, the grant of
privileges herein shall be forfeited;
and unless the said company, their
associates, assigns, successors, or legal
representatives, shall secure a naviga-
ble depth over said outer bar of fifteen
feet of water within three years after
the date of the approval of this act,
and a navigable depth of twenty feet
of water over said bar within five
years from said date, then congress
may revoke the privileges herein
granted in relation to said improve-
ments.
Sec. 2. That at any time after said
improvements and auxiliary works
have been completed as herein provid-
ed, and said depth of twenty feet has
been obtained, the United States shall
have the right to pay the said com-
pany, or their assigns, successors or
legal representatives, the value of the
works constructed under this act or
under or by virtue of any authority
granted by the State of Texas, and on
such payment being made by the
United States, all rights to said work
on the part of said parties shall cease,
but notjiifig; Di this act shall be con-
strued as compelling the Government
to take possession of and pay for said
works unless so desired. Nothing
within the provisions of this act shall
be construed as authorizing the said
company to charge or collect tolls or
tonnage upon boats or vessels navigat-
lng said channel, and the navigation
of the same shall be free.
Approved May 12, 1890.
the state law.
An Act to encourage the construction and
maintenance of deep water harbors, navigable
channels, docks and wharves on the gulf coast
within the State of Texas, and to define the
rights and duties, and fix the liabilities of the
corporations that may acquire land or privil-
eges under this Act.
Whereas, Deep water harbors, navi-
gable channels, docks and wharves on
the gulf coast of Texas are of great im-
portance to the development and pros-
perity of the State of Texas and the
entire Northwest; now, therefore,
Section 1. Be it enacted by the
Legislature of the State of Texas :
That any corporation organized under
the laws of Texas, which is now au-
thorized or which may hereafter be
authorized by an act of congress of
the United States to construct, own,
operate or maintain with private capi-
tal, a deep water harbor, navigable
channel, docks or wharves on the gulf
coast of Texas, shall be permitted to
purchase from the State of Texas at
two dollars per acre so much of any
public lands, islands, shores or shal-
low bays belonging to the State of
of Texas that may be situated within
one-half mile from any point or points
on the construction works of any jet-
ties or any such deep water channel
leading into the main harbor from the
open sea; provided, that in no case
shall such strip or body of land be
more than one-half mile in width, and
such person, company or corporation
may also purchase from the State at
the same price per acre any lands,
shores, islands or shallow bays within
one-fourth mile of each side of every
navigable channel, that such company
or corporation may construct through
or across such shallow bays in the
prosecution of such work.
Sec. 2. Any such company or cor-
poration owning in whole or in part
any lands fronting or abutting upon
any shallow bays in which apy such
work is being constructed, may pur-
chase at the same price per acre any
lands, shores or shallow bays adjoin-
ing and. lying in front of such lands ;
provided, that such purchase shall
not extend into such bay so as to in-
clude land covered with water hav-
ing an average depth of more than
three and one-half feet at mean low
tide. That the purchases under the
provisions of this section shall not ex-
tend a greater distance along the front
of the survey on the shore than three
miles, nor a greater distance into the
bay than one-half mile; provided,
that the islands known as Tally island
and Lydia Ann islands, situated in
Aransas Bay, shall not be subject to
purchase under the provisions of this
act; provided, that one-half of the
proceeds of the sale of the lands as
provided for in this act shall belong to
the permanent free school fund of this
State.
Seo. 3. All applications of a pur-
chaser to buy under the provisions of
this act shall be made in writing to
the Commissioner of the General Land
Office, accompanied by one-fifth of the
purchase money, and also by a copy
of the act of congress authorizing the
construction of such deep water har-
bor, navigable channel, docks or
wharves, and a complete plat or map
showing the location and design of
such improvements, and said plat or
map shall also show the public lands,
shores, islands and shallow bays ap-
plied for, and the depths of such shal-
low bays in feet, determined by actual
survey or as shown by the United
States coast survey map.
Sec. 4. Upon the payment of one-
fifth of the purchase money as here-
inbefore provided, the Commissioner
of the General Land Office shall issue
a receipt therefor, and attach thereto
a copy of the application and plat filed
by said purchaser, which said receipt
shall be sufficient authority to the
proper county surveyor to survey the
lands, shores, islands or shallow bays
sold ; provided, that the remainder of
the purchase money may be paid at
any time within five years after date
of first payment, and deferred pay-
ments Shall bear interest at the rate
of five per cent per annum payable
annually. If any individual, associa-
tion of individuals, company or cor-
poration purchasing any land, island
or shallow water bays under this act
shall fail to secure twenty feet of water
over the bar between the Gulf of Mex-
ico and the main harbor within- five
years from the date of such purchase
and maintain said twenty feet of water
coutinuously for two years, then all
such rights shall revert to the State.
If the purchaser of any island, shal-
low water bay, land or either under
this act, shall fail to pay the annual
interest upon any part of the purchase
money when such interest shall be-
come due, or if such purchaser shall
fail to pay the principal when the
same shall become due, then all rights
acquired under such purchase shall
be forfeited with all payments made
thereon, without any judicial ascer-
tainment of such forfeiture, and the
Commissioner of the General Land
Office shall indorse upon the contract
of purchase, that the same is forfeited,
whereby all rights so acquired shall
be forfeited and revert to the State.
If any such corporation shall fail to
conform to the act of congress in pros-
ecuting such work or if such corpora-
tion shall fail to secure twenty feet of
water at low tide upon the bars and
other obstructions between the main
harbor and the Gulf of Mexico within
five years after the date at which this
act shall take effect, if such corpora-
tion now exist, or within five years of
the date of the filing of the charter of
any such company hereafter to be
formed, then all islands, lands, shal-
low bays and other rights acquired
under this act shall be forfeited and
shall revert to and vest in ik y State of
Texas.
Sec. 5. Any corporation organized
under the laws of this State which has
such authority as mentioned in the
first section of this act conferred upon
it by act of Congress of the United
States, may construct, own and main-
tain, upon the gulf coast of Texas, in
connection with its deep water harbor
and navigable channels, docks and
wharves and navigable channels for
the accommodation of commerce, and
such corporation may charge, demand
and receive reasonable and just tolls,
and charge for the use of such docks
and wharves ; but all navigable chan-
nels so constructed shall forever re-
main open and free to all vessels with
out fee or charge; the tolls and charges
for the use of said docks and wharves
shall be equal, just and uniform to all
vessels, persons and corporations with-
out discrimination as to amount charg-
ed or delay in handling the same, and
all such tolls and charges shall be
under the control of the Legislature of
the State of Texas ; and until other-
wise directed by the Legislature shall
be subject to control and regulation
by the Railroad Commission under
the rules prescribed for the regulation
of railroads so far as applicable. Any
railroad or other means of transporta-
tion which may be constructed. be-
tween the mainland and any deep
water harbor or channel shall be a
public highway, and all rates and
charges for transportation of freights
and passengers thereon shall be sub-
ject to the control and regulation of
the Railroad Commission as a railroad;
such railroad or other means of trans-
portation shall receive from each and
every ship, boat and vessel or from
the wharf on which the same is dis-
charged, all freights and passengers
and transport and deliver them to the
consignee or any connecting line of
railroad without discrimination as to
charges or delay in transportation and
delivery, and shall in like manner re-
ceive from every person and from every
connecting line of railroad all freights
and passengers and transport and de-
liver the same to each and every ship,
boat, vessel, person or corporation for
delivery to such ship, boat or vessel
on like equal and just terms without
discrimination as to charges and delay
in transportation or delivery thereof.
Nothing herein shall be construed to
affect any rights acquired before the
passage of this act. The acceptance
of this act or the exercise of any rights
or privileges granted in this act by
said corporation or any person or cor-
poration holding under the same, shall
be deemed and held to be a contract
with the State ; that any wilful viola-
tion of the provisions of this act, or
the doing of any act herein prohibited,
shall work a forfeiture of all rights
acquired under this act so far as then
held or claimed by the person or cor-
poration guilty of such violation.
Sec. 6. The privileges and rights
granted in this act shall never be ex-
ercised so as to in any way hinder or
interfere with the completion of any
railroad heretofore chartered to be
built to and upon Harbor Island, in
and upon the location designated in
such charter ; nor with any such rail-
road acquiring and controlling all
necessary • depot grounds, wharf
grounds and deep water fronts that
it may or could have acquired legally,
had not this act been enacted.
Sec. 7. Before any rights can vest
in any corporation by virtue of any
purchase of public lands, islands,
shores or shallow bays, the said cor-
poration shall file with the Secretary
of State a release to the State of Texas
of all claim or right to have its tolls or
charges imposed for any use to be
made of such property or structures
thereon regulated by any act of Con-
gress now existing or hereafter to be
passed.
Sec. 8. And whereas, deep water
improvements are of vital importance
to the country, and whereas, the pres-
ent Legislature will not likely remain
long in session, now, therefore, an im-
perative public necessity and an em-
ergency exists requiring the suspen-
sion of the constitutional rule requir-
ing bills to be read on three several
days, and the rule is suspended, and
that this act take effect from and after
its passage, and it is so enacted.
[Note.—The foregoing act originat-
ed in the Senate and passed the same
by a vote of 21 yeas and 4 nays ; and
passed the House by a vote of 61 yeas
and 20 nays.]
[Note.—The foregoing act was pre-
sented to the Governor of Texas for
his approval on the eleventh day of
April, A. D. 1891, but was not signed
by him nor returned to the house in
which it originated with his objec-
tions thereto ; nor were any objections
thereto filed by him in this office
after adjournment of the Legislature
within the time prescribed by the con-
stitution. This act thereupon became
a law without his signature.—Geo.
W. Smith, Secretary of State.]
Barb Wire Trust Collapsed.
Pittsburg, Pa., Feb. 5.—The barb
wire trust, which is composed of all
the barb wire plants of the country,
has been dissolved. This statement
was made to-night by J. M. Gates, of
Chicago, president of the combination.
It was formed a year ago and repre-
sented millions of capital. Gates at-
tributes the collapse of the trust to
overproduction of cotton in the south
and the immense output of barb wire.
Two Points of View.
Life.
Jack (who has just received a re-
mittance)—Then, after that, I say we
have some tame duck and—
Dick (whose remittance has not ar-
rived)—Hold on! What do they stick
you for that?
Jack—Two dollars and a half.
Dick—Whew! Don’tyou think we’d
better get a wild d uck and tame it
ourselves?
-6®*-
The Herald at Rockport.
Residents of Rockport can obtain
copies of The Aransas Harbor Her-
ald by applying to Mr. H. B. Sher-
man, who will keep it regularly on
sale.
-*«-•--
Vick’s Floral Guide, 1892.
True and tried friends are always
welcome, consequently “Vicks Floral
Guide” is sure of a warm reception,
especially when dressed as daintily
as this year. The “Nellie Lewis”
Carnation on the front of cover, and
“Brilliant Poppies” on the back, are
unusally attractive, and the numerous
colored plates of flowers and vegetables
are certainly works of art and merit.
The first twenty-four pages, printed
in violet ink, describe Novelties and
Specialties. Send ten cents to James
Vick’s Sons, Rochester, N. Y., and
procure a copy of this attractive and
useful catalogue. It costs nothing, as
the ten cents can be deducted from
the first order.
Extensions in Mexico of the Monterey
& Mexican Gulf.
COMMERCE COMING TO 1HE SOUTHERN SEABOARD
The I. & G. N. Picking1 Up.—Sale of a
California Road.—Change of Time
on the Southern Pacific.
While on a recent visit to San An-
tonio Mr. J. A. Robertson, general
manager of the Monterey & Mexican
Gulf road, was interviewed by a re-
porter of the Express. He is one of
the most widely and favorably known
Americans in Mexico and the prosper-
ity of Monterey is largely due to his
efforts. The Express says:
Mr. Robertson stated that the sur-
vey of the proposed route of the ex-
tension of the Monterey & Mexican
Gulf road from General Trevino to
Altata and Mazatlan is now being
made and that the construction of the
road will [be pushed as rapidly as pos-
sible. In reply to the question as to
whether or not he believed that the
extension of the Mexican Internation-
al is to be made from Durango to Ma-
zatlan. Mr. Robertson said:
“It is my opinion that the Mexican
International will build to the City of
Mexico before it does to Mazatlan, but
I know nothing definite concerning
the intentions of the company.”
* •*
*
“The old order changeth, giving
place to new.” The southern sea-
board is already recognized as the
proper outlet for western commerce.
Its development henceforward must
be rapid. The St. Louis Bepublic says:
The natural channel through which
export business from St. Louis to Euro-
pean ports has been handled for many
years has been via Eastern seaboard
cities, with the exception of such as
has been moved by river yia New
Orleans, but the Cairo Short Line has
at last broken this record, and have
just completed the shipment of an en-
tire cargo of flour from Kehlor Bros,
of St. Louis for Galway, Ireland, via
New Orleans, the first entire cargo
ever handled in this manner all rail
to New Orleans.
New Orleans is gradually gaining
prestige as an export city,'and- there
can be no doubt but that within the
near future a much larger share of the
export business from the Mississippi
Valley will be handled via this port.
This is of special interest to St. Louis
exporters, and the movement of this
initial shipment will be watched with
no small degeee of interest by all in-
terested. Five solid trains were re-
quired to move the Galway shipment
from East St. Louis, each train going
through to New Orleans via the Illi-
nois Central Railroad, without being
separated en route, special right-of-
way being given over the entire line.
The cars were handsomely placarded
on both sides, and the trains attracted
wide attention all along the line.
In this connection it is also noted
that St, Louis shippers are exporting
large quantities of flour to Cuba via
New Orleans, the Cairo Short Line
having during the past week handled,
in addition to quite a number of
smaller shipments, an entire cargo of
flour for Havana, a special vessel hav-
ing been chartered for the purpose.
*■ *
*
I. & G. N. EARNINGS.
Palestine, Texas., Jan. 31.—A
statement by the auditor of the rail-
way commission as to the earnings of
the International & Great Northern
railway for the five months ending
November 30 last show an increase of
gross earnings of $6,878. a decrease in
the expenses of $172,056, and an .in-
crease in the net earnings of $223,935.
The percentage of expenses to the earn-
ings is 68 per cent.
TRINITY & SABINE ROAD.
Trinity, Texas., Jan. 31.—At a
stockholders’ meeting of the Trinity &
Sabine Railway company held here
yesterday all the property of the com-
pany was transferred and conveyed to
the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Rail-
way company, of Texas.
will be sold.
San Francisco, Cal., Feb. 5.—It is
announced that the San Francisco &
Northern Pacific railroad, which ex-
tends through several coast counties
north of San Francisco with an
entrance into this city, will be sold at
public sale and that the Atchison,
Topeka & Santa Fe railroad may
become a bidder for the property, as
affording terminal facilities in the
event of an extension of the latter line
to this city.
THE NEW SUNSET TIME CARD.
Of the new time card on the Sunset,
the Houston Post says:
“On the new Southern Pacific time
card, wnich took effect January 31, is
scheduled east and west a fast conti-
nental freight train. The time be-
tween Algiers and El Paso, between
which points constitute the Atlantic
system, is seventy-six hours, the dis-
tance being 1,209 miles. The time on
the Pacific system, which constitutes
the line between El Paso and San
Francisco, the distance being 1,285
miles, is made in ninety hours. This
makes the total time from Algiers to
San Francicco, a distance of 5,491
miles, 166 hours.
“The schedule has now been in
effect three days, and like all other
enterprises promulgated by the
Southern Pacific, has proven a success,
and has added much business already
to the road according to shipment
ordered via this line. The fast freight
trains which ran on this road previous
to this fast trans-continental train
being inagurated were run as specials,
and therefore the great difference in
time saved cannot be estimated.”
An Olive Orchard.
Galveston News.
To-day Dr. W. R. Robinson, a phy-
sician of Alvin, was in the city, and
in a few days is going on a business
trip to Kansas City and Omaha. The
doctor is an enthusiast on the subject
of raising olives in this section. He
has studied the question and is now
preparing to put money into the pro-
ject. He says this climate and the
soil about Alvin is all that could be
asked, and in three years after the
cuttings or young trees are planted a
crop can be gathered that will net
over $22.50 to the tree, and in making
this statement he produced the figures
resulting from the successful cultiva-
tion of the fruit at National City in
San Diego county, California, by Mr.
Frank A. Kimball, horticultural com-
missioner for the state at large. He
realized on trees planted from the
cutting over $25.50 gross per tree and
over $22.50 net, in the third year after
the cutting's were laid. Mr. Kimball,
after having been in the business
eighteen years, is worth over a million
dollars, and he started with only a
few trees and enough land to plant
them. Dr. Robinson expects to make
a big industry out of it, as the only
other place in the Uuited States where
the olive is grown is California.
IN BEHALF OF VELASCO.
The Herald Is Compelled to Reprove a
Contemporary.
Those having an abundance of the
good things of life should be charita-
ble to their neighbors that lack them.
The Herald was much pained to see
the following paragraph in the columns
of the esteemed Corpus Christi Caller
of recent date. The reports which
show the unpleasant feature of even a
distant neighbor should be kindly
suppressed; and in behalf of Velasco,
we ask the Carter not to do it again;
as the facts given do not encourage
the upbuilding of a young town which
has started in four feet below the
grade.
That The Herald’s readers may
see the justness of our reproof, we ap-
pend the offending item:
NOT CHARMED WITH VELASCO.
The following is an extract from a
letter dated Velasco, Feb. 7, 1892, and
written to a gentleman in Corpus
Christi. The writer says: “I am
building a house here for Mr.-, but
I want to get out of this place as soon
as I can. It is no place to live in. I
believe it will make a nice town after
awhile, but it will have to be raised
about four feet. There is no use in
talking ; Corpus Christi and Aransas
Pass are going to be the great sea-ports
and sea-side resorts of Texas. Velasco
has electrict lights and a fine artesian
well, but when it rains the mud is a
foot deep. The contract for the Beach
hotel will be let next week but I will
not go near it. I am going to Victoria,
thence to Beeville.”
BEEVILLE’S SUBSCRIPTIONS,
Contributors of the First S?25,000 For
Deep Water.
Beeville Bee.
Through the courtesy of Mr. S. H.
McGary, secretary of the Bee county
deep water committee, the Bee pub-
lishes the following list of donations
to the fund to secure deep water at
Aransas Pass:
$5,000
. 5,000
. 1,000
. 2.000
. 1,000
. 2,000
. 1,000
. 2,000
. 1,000
400
. 500
. 400
300
. 500
. 200
. 100
. 100
. 100
. 250
25
. 100
50
. 100
. 100
. 125
100
50
. 100
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
. 100
. 200
100
.. 100
100
.. 100
. 500
.. 100
.. 50
A. C. Jones, land.......................
Kohler & Heldenfels, land............
A. G. Kenedy, land....................
J. C. Woods, land ...................
Beasley & Flournoy, land.............
W. H. George, land...................
J. I. Clare, land.......................
En terprise Land and Colonization Co.
D. A. T. Walton, land................
J. C. Thompson, land.................
F. O. Skidmore, land..................
C. P. Eidson, land and cash...........
J. P. Quinn, land......................
F. J. Hart and H. F. Otto, land......
W. S. Dugat, cash......................
C. F. Stevens, cash....................
S. J. Ellis, cash........................
Wm. M. Smith, land..................
J. H. O’Connor, cash..................
W. W. Dodd, cash.....................
W. Sid. Howard, cash.................
Jno. R. Martin, cash..................
H. S. Baxter, cash....................
W. Parchman, cash....................
L. B. Creath, land.....................
J. J. Carmichael, cash................
Gregory & August, cash...............
Seahrook & Skaggs, cash...........
S. A. Waschka, cash..................
R. W Fenner, cash....................
W. W. Stocking, cash.................
F. M. Ellis, Jr., cash..................
J. E. Kelley, cash.....................
L. VV. Bell, cash.......................
I. Cohen, land.......................!.,
J. C. Crisp, cash.......................
Lon C. Hill, cash......................
Patterson & Cavanaugh, cash.........
M. Morris, cash........................
R. W. Archer, cash...................
J. K. New, cash........................
L. F. Roberts, land....................
M. A. Skidmore, cash.................
O. F. West, cash.......................
Total........................$25,200
The committee is assiduously at
work soliciting further subscriptions.
At this writing total of additional
amounts cannot be secured. One of
the committee men expresses his opin-
ion that the $50,000 will likely be
raised.
THE NICARAGUA CANAL.
Denials That the Work Is Progressing
People Ruined.
San Francisco, Cal., Fe.b 6.—
The accounts which have been pub-
lished as to the progress of the Nic-
aragua canal are contradicted by R.
T. Sparks, who recently returned to
this city after six months’ residence
in Managua.
When Mr. Sparks was asked about
the canal he said:
“It is all nonsense to say that the
canal has progressed very far or that
it is being carried forward at all. All
that has been done is a few miles of
clearings and a little work on the
harber at Greytown. C. A. Davis,
chief engineer under Menocal, told me
that he had received orders to discharge
all employees except two or three.
The people in that country have no
faith in the scheme. Many people
were ruined by buying large tracts
of land along the proposed line of the
canal. One of the most prominent
men stated that if they get a railroad
there it would put an "end to the canal
scheme and his remark met with the
retort that if so it was ended, as it
was certain they would have a rail-
road before long.”
MERRY DENIES IT.
San Francisco, Cal., Feb. 6.—
Captain Wm. L. Merry, ex-president
of the San Francisco chamber of com-
merce, was seen to-day regarding the
statements made by R. T. Sparks,
who returned from Managua, to the
effect thaU work on the Nicaraguan
canal ham1'*-
Cabtain'M^rry is the local agent for
the Nicaraguan government and also
interested in the development of the
canal. He said that the statement that
work on the canal had ceased was
incorrect.
“The constructing company,” he
said,“ does not profess to be doing ex-
tensive work on the canal, pending
the negotiation of their securties in
Europe, or untill the contract has
been passed upon by congrersS, but
advices from the district engineer
dated December last show that there
were over 400 men on the pay roll at
that time and that work wWprogress-
ing steadily, if slowly.”
Reciprocity with West Indies.
Washington, D. C., Feb. 5.—The
president to-day issued a proclamation
promulgating a reciprocity treaty
with the British West India colonies
of Trinidad, Windward and Leeward
islands, etc.
Get on the inside track. Subscribe
for The Aransas Harbor Herald.
EN HONOR OF I BUY
The Reception to Capt. Miller On His
Birthday Anniversary.
AN ELEGANT ASSEMBLAGE AT'THE HOTEL HOYT
The Most Brilliant Affair in the History
of Aransas Harbor.—Distinguished
Guests and Rich Costumes.
Captain E. P. Miller has won for
himself and the Hotel Hoyt an unriv-
aled reputation for generous hospital-
ity. His series of entertainments
since the hotel was opened are with-
out a parallel in Texas, and their in-
creasing popularity is evidence that
the people of this coast are not lacking
in appreciation for such enterprise.
Nor is the interest confined to Aransas
Harbor.
The reception last Friday evening,
to commemorate the 54th anniversary
of the Captain’s horning, was even bet-
ter attended from Rockport and Cor-
pus Christi, than either of his previous
receptions. All the arrangements
were made with tasteful simplicity,
and no decorations were attempted.
The entire ground floor of the spacious
house was given up to the guests, and
the evening was so mild the galleries
also, were utilized by many of them.
Many of the ladies appeared in eve-
ning dress, and the entire absence of
fire in the building passed unnoticed.
The visitors from Rockport came in
carriages and on horseback. The
guests and musicians from Corpus
Christi, arrived on the evening train,
at 8:15 o’clock.
Dancing began at 8:30 o’clock. The
Grand March was led by Captain Mil-
ler and Miss Recie McMurtry, who
merged the celebration of her 12th
birthday with the Captain’s more an-
cient honors.
Miss Recie’s sweet face and lith-
some figure were fairy-like in a cos-
tume of blue silk, cream lace and
brown curls. Her gentle manners and
easy grace completed the fancy and
Miss Recie was queen of the evening.
Diamonds sparkled at the throats of
many of Rockport’s ladies, and sug-
gested the spirit that moved them in
the deep water convention when they
offered to remove the bar if the men
should fail.
Mrs. G. B. Gurley, who chaperoned
the party from up the bay, wore an
elegant black silk costume with lace
trimmings. Mrs. Gurley is a beauti-
ful woman and her natural beauty
was adorned by a handsome diamond
cross set in black enamel.
Mrs. W. W. Wood is also a hand-
some woman. She w'ore a beautifully
fitted cream albatross costume, trim-
med in gold and resplendent with
diamonds.
Another noticably beautiful woman
who graced the assemblage was Mrs.
P. S. Browder, wflo wore a rich and
elegantly made dress of black silk,
with diamonds.
Mrs. Seeligson Gartrell wore a hand-
some grey street dress trimmed in
green silk.
Mrs. John C. Terry wore a black
street costume.
Mrs. E. T. Merriman wore a grey
silk street costume.
Mrs. D. McNeil Turner was hand-
somely dressed in black silk. Her
ornaments were diamonds.
A particularly handsome silk gren-
adine, in Grecian style, with no jewels,
was worn by Miss Iza Polk, of Corsi-
cana. The simplicity of this costume
was very charming.
Miss R. Polk is a pretty girl. Her
white wool costume in chiffon trim-
ming, with diamonds, displayed her
beauty to the best advantage.
Miss Violet McKay in heliotrope,
with lace trimming and diamonds won
much admiration.
Miss Porter, of Paris, Texas, in a
costume of white China silk trimmed
in Valencienes lace with rubies, was
the cynosure of many eyes.
Miss Maude Seymour adorned a
beautiful maroon princess with black
lace trimming and diamonds.
Miss Katie Clark was very pretty
in a pink surah with white lace trim-
ming.
Miss Janie Kennedy wore a light
blue henrietta with white feather
trimming.
Miss Minnie Cottreaux was queenly
in an elegant cream surah with train
and Spanish lace trimming.
Miss Lola Herring was happy in a
school girl costume of cream albatross
with ribbon trimming.
Miss Jones wore white China silk
with black lace trimming.
Miss Grant wore a cream surah with
gauze trimming; pearl ornaments.
Miss Bettie Motz wore a simple
street costume.
Mrs. Gov. Wheeler wore a brown
brocade silk with white lace.
Mrs. A. L. Matlock joined the party
at supper in an elegant scarlet cash-
mere and silk teagOAvn.
Mrs. C. C. Hyatt accompanied Mrs.
Matlock to supper and wore a hand-
some lace dress with passamentrie.
Mrs. J. AY. Brown Avore black nuns
veiling with cream silk trimming.
Mrs. J. T. Quigley Avore garnet-cloth
•trimmed with black velvet.
Mrs. C. M. Bigelow wore silk and
velvet.
Mrs. C. T. Black Avore a grey silk
costume trimmed Avith cream lace.
Mrs.C. A. Davies wore a black street
costume. .
Mrs. Lydia Long, of Fayetteville,
Arkansas, wore a black street dress.
Mrs. H. G. Boles wore a fioAvered
Avhite satin trimmed with white lace.
Mrs. J. W. Pickens, Mrs Thos. Wil-
kins, Mrs. M. L. Rubenstein, Mrs. G.
W. LeAvis, Mrs. L. J. McMurtry, Mrs.
D. S. Stapleton, Mrs. J. E. Wright,
Mrs IT. Franklin, Mrs. Holman and
Mrs. Jennie Fisher wore street cos-
tumes.
Mias Fannie DeBerry wore a white
satin evening dress Avith cream ribbon.
Miss Ellen DeBerry wore orange
satin with orange ribbon.
Miss Mary Pickens wore pink challie
Avith red silk waist.
Miss Annie Matlock, of Fort Worth,
wore a school-girl costume of scarlet
cashmere and irridescent silk, with
black curls and bright eyes.
Miss Mayme McBryde, cream albat-
ross with cream lace.
Miss MollieTucker, white mull with
pink ribbon and white lace.
Miss Fannie Tucker, white mull
with white lace.
Miss Lizzie Hastings, Greek costume
with white lace.
Miss Lizzie Miller, blue silk with
blue ribbon.
Miss Sallie Chestnut, plain brown
albatross.
Miss Maude Jeter, cream satin and
cream ribbon.
Miss Minnie Harris, brown silk and
black velvet.
Miss Stapleton, dark silk and old
gold.
Miss Eleaner Pickens, grey albat-
ross in blue silk.
Miss Bettie Benton Wheeler, girls
costume of red silk with pearl trim-
ming.
Miss Iola Saunders, child’s costume
of cream nuns veiling and ribbon.
Miss Freda Rubenstein, child’s cos-
tume of blue silk with blue ribbon and
white lace.
The gentlemen in attendance from
abroad were Col. E. H. Ropes and
Messrs. E. T. Merriman, W. T. Ropes
and B. C. Eberhart of Corpus Christi;
Mr. Ed. Cubage, of Portland; Mr. A.
H. Samuels, of Galveston ; Messrs. C.
S. E. Holland and L. W. Michaux, of
Houston; John Carroll, of Chapman,
Kansas; S. R. Mills, Hyne’s Bay,
Texas ; Robt. Harris, of Mesquital;
and Messrs. J. W. Dary, W. W. Wood,
,G. B. Gurley, Stuart Freeman, Albert
Bruhl, P. S. Browder, Perry McKay,
W. A. Terry, John C. Terry, W. M.
Hynes, J. F. Miller, Lee Seymour, W.
Seeligson and Jas. N. Benham, of
Rockport. Those from the city were
Judge Deberry, Dr.‘Frick, Captain
Stedman, Messrs. Wilson, Mackey,
BroAvn, Hoffman, Quigley, Wilkins,
Rubenstein, Holman, McClure, Camp-
bell, Buchanan, Knight, Boles, Brad-
shaAV, Cooper, Jeter, Wright, Dwyer,
Conn, Lewis, Black, Stapleton and
Miller.
At 12:30 o’clock supper was served.
The repast Avas elegantly prepared
and was spread on a double row of
tables extending the full length of the
ladies’ ordinary. It consisted of cold
ham, cold beef, cold pork, cold mutton,
five kinds of salads, fish chowder,
pickles and relishes innumerable, sev-
en varieties of cake, and coffee,tea and
chocolate and ice cream-
At the close of the feast Col. Ropes
addressed Captain Miller in) gratula-
tion of his successful life and thanks
for the entertainment. Captain Mil-
ler was also the recipient of multiplied
wishes for continued health and pros-
perity, and many substantial tokens
of regard were tendered hin that eve-
ning. Among those which were nota-
bly handsome and appropriate were
an elegant merchaum pipe, a hand-
some field glass, an equestrian statue
in bronze, several beautiful monogram
scarfs, neck-ties and handkerchiefs,
a beautiful gold pencil and a scarf
pin and half a dozen boxes of cigars,
some of which were choice importa-
tions.
In the course of the evening Mrs.
Seeligson Gartrell favored a selected
audience in the parlor with a marvel-
ous rendition at the piano. Mr. Rub-
enstein accompanied her in a few se-
lections Avith his violin. The audience
were prepared for a rare treat when
Mrs. Gartrell assented to their request
but the skill and feeling with which
her music is rendered far exceeded
their expectations. The charming
grace of her manner and her wondrous
poAverof musical expression will al-
ways insure for Mrs. Gartrell a warm
wrelcome from the friends she won on
her first visit to Aransas Harbor.
A WOMAN POSSE.
Deputy Fannie Miller in the City, Who
She is And What She Looks Like.
Ft. Smith {Ark.)Evening Call.
Miss. Fannie Miller is a young
woman, twenty-three years of age,
Avho lives at Tallihina when at home,
but for several years past has spent
the most of her time in the saddle
riding over the territory as a posse for
a deputy marshal. She is at present
riding as posse for Deputy Ben Cant-
rell, but came up to Fort Smith on
private business. This morning a
Call reporter met Captain Miller, as
she is called, and had quite a pleasant
chat with her. She is of medium
height, rather heavy, with dark
broAvn hair and light blue eyes, dark
complected and square features, look-
ing very much like an Indian. She
is very quiet and talks but little and
looks upon her novel life as a very
brave affair. This morning she wore
a Avide-brimmed white felt hat with
silver cords, a riding jacket and short
skirts. She carries a Colt’s 44revolver
in her belt, with Avhich she is quite
expert. She has assisted in the cap-
ture of more than a dozen desperate
outlaws, and is absolutely fearless.
She said that she likes the life of a
deputy, and Avould not give it up, and
the deputies she has ridden with de-
clare that she is worth any two men
in an emergency. She draws her pay
from Uncle Sam the same as any other
officer, and she earns it Avell. She has
never held a commission herself, and
to-day was urged to apply to Marshal
Yoes to be appointed a deputy and
given a commission, and some of her
acquaintances are going to endeavor
to get the young lady a place on the
force.
Altogether Captain Fannie Miller
is a very remarkable young woman,
and her exploits in hunting down
criminals is as great as those of the
noted Belle Starr in acts of lawless-
ness. The young woman certainly de-
serves a commission.
Give It Water.
Rockport Beacon.
WATER WANTED by the Beak.
Aransas Harbor’s History as Recorded
by The Herald.
HEiS OF NEWS FROM NEAR-BY TOWNS
Lawyer Davies Appointed County At-
torney.—Good Real Estate Sales.—
Local and Personal Notes.
Dr.. Frick purchased another lot on
Commercial street yesterday.
Mr. H. I ranklin last A\Teek purchased
a business lot on Houston street near
Wheeler Avenue, eligible for a jesvelry
store which he will shortly establish.
In a recent letter to The Herald
Dr. W. F. McMullen, of Alvord, Texas,
says: “Aransas Harbor is the only
place in thirteen States that I really
Avanted or thought I would like to
locate permanently at.”
Mr. Hermann Hoffman of St. Louis,
Avas so infatuated by his visit to his
father’s farm that he has purchased
another tract of tAvelve acres near the
bay front since his return. The pur-
chase Avas effected this week.
Mr. IT. M. Dwyer is laying a side-
walk from the Hamilton House to
Wheeler Avenue, passing in front of
his grocery store and tae-CDf Coast
Land office. It is high time that ctm"
property OAvners recognized the neces-
sity for action. '
Mr. Earnest C. Hoffman, of St. Louis,
has joined his father and brother in
their investments in Aransas Harbor-
real estate. ITe purchased thirty-two
acres of garden land last week. His
land is located three miles south of
town near the bay shore.
A special car passed doAvn the Aran-
sas Pass road last night to Ocean YieAV
bearing Receiver McNamara, Super-
intendent Sands and Mr. Green Pick-
ens. It returned to San Antonio this
morning. Messrs. McNamara ana
Sands freely expressed their confi-
dence in the success of the neAV or-
ganization of the Aransas Pass Harbor-
Company, Avhich is significant that
the work must be inaugurated before
the 2d prox.
Col. Fred Feigl arrived in the city
last Monday from an extended cam-
paign after Garza with Gen. Mabry
and the rangers. Col. Feigl is a mem-
ber of Gen. Mabry’s staff and a*equif::':v“'-
ted himself Avith a great deal oJ credit
both as a military adjutant add as a
war correspondent. Mr. Garza Avas
in New York on the occasion of then-
last visit, but the gallant soldiers en-
joyed themselves hugely by poaching-
on his jack rabbit preserves.
The Ocean Side House, now opened
on Mustang Island, offers many at-
tractions that have heretofore been in-
accessible to the people of this coast.
Its location is perfectly secure and its
proximity to the ocean renders it a
charming retreat for those [who, seek
resfiand entertainment. A magnificent
surf beats upon 5t» beach and brings
many rare curiosities of tim j/a to its
threshold. Those who knoAV Mr. Het-
field recognize his ability to maintain
good order in his house and Mrs. Het-
field is an excellent caterer. The best
fishing grounds on the coast are in
this immediate vicinity and an abund-
ance of fine oysters can be gathered
from the waters near the island.
Most prominent among the recent
improvements on Commercial street,
is the southwest corner on Yoakum
Avenue. This beautiful lot is owned
by Dr. Frick, and occupied by Messrs.
Frick and Wilkins with their drug
store. The house is an elegant two
story structure Avith massive walls,
broad verandas and a handsome tur-
ret from which a magnificent
and landscape view may Le obtaiM|f.
Plenty of fresh paint, of which tnes!
gentlemen have an unlimited suppljl
has been used on the improvements^
Inside of the house the appointments*
show equal taste and the shelves are]
well stocked Avith drugs, oils, paints, \
and druggists sundries. They also
have a neat stock of wall paper. Dr.
Frick is continuously adding to 1
improvements and is now buildings,
elegant office on this lot.
PERSONAL.
i
Mr. Horace L.Cason, of Atlanta,Ga.,
is registered at the Hotel Hoyt this
week.
Mr. A. J. Davault, of Pilot Point,
Texas, is sojourning at the Hamilton
House,
Mr. C. M. Dannel of Denver is a
guest at the Hamilton House this
week.
Mr. D. C. Kolp and his young son of_
Ingleside were guests of the
Hoyt last Aveek.
Mr. Ed Cubage of Portlai isl
among the visitors at the reception'
last Friday evening.
Messrs. J. W. Morris and J. C. Brad-
shaw of Montague Texas, are spend-
ing the week at the Hamilton House.
Miss Mary Pickens is visiting her
mother this week. She arrived, in
time to join the dance at the receptiolH^I*»
last Friday evening.
Miss. Lizzie Hastings returned last
week from a protracted Christmas
visit to her former home at Lamar
across the bay from Rockport.
Mrs. C. A. Saunders returned to the
city last Saturday after a protracted
business trip to Kansas and Missouri
Mrs. Saunders and her daughter Iola
are domiciled at the Hotel Hoyt.
The younger ladies of the city wifi
give an entertainment at the Hamilton
House next Saturday evening. The
editor acknowleges an invitation to
attend. Miss Annie Matlock is chair-
men of the commitie.
It afforded much gratification to the
friends of Mrs. Senator Matlock that
she was able to appear at the reception
last Friday evening. For many weary
months Mrs. Matlock has endured
the tedium of close confinement.
Mr. E. J. Mackey last week negoti-
ated and closed eight sales of real
estate that aggregated ten thousand
dollars in value. This is doubtless the
largest business done in that week by
any real estate broker in Texas.
Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Whitmore and
three children arrived at the Hotel
(Continued on Fourth Page.)
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Aransas Harbor Herald. (Aransas Harbor, Tex.), Vol. 1, No. 49, Ed. 1 Thursday, February 11, 1892, newspaper, February 11, 1892; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth881987/m1/1/?q=Lamar+University: accessed July 18, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Ed & Hazel Richmond Public Library.