The news … one hundred years and more ago
by Jon Guthrie

• A Question of the mind: salt instead of sugar?
The case of the late Charles Louis continued in the Superior court of Monterey this past week. Charles Louis died in the latter part of March, leaving behind an estate estimated to be worth between $15,000 to $20,000. Now, several litigants are questioning Mssr. Louis’ sanity.
Last December, Mssr. Louis purchased from Mssr. R. P. Quinn 130 acres known as the Old Mayers Ranch. The agreed-to price was $6,774. After trouble developed over Quinn’s commission, Quinn dropped out of the deal. Quinn’s duties were assumed by the Bauman brothers, who have been serving as overseers of the ranch. In the meanwhile, Mr. Louis died. His heirs are opposed to the confirmation of the sale. Mssrs. Bauman, the care-taking brothers, are correspondingly anxious to see the deal pushed through.
Testimony in court turned yesterday to Mssr. Louis’ mental state just prior to death. According to Louis’ daughters, their father was stricken with a serious illness sometime during the month of October, last year. In the daughters alleged opinion, Mssr. Louis then became mentally unsound. They said he began to take salt instead of sugar in his tea and coffee, and seemed to enjoy the salt thoroughly. He also began ingesting large pieces of bread soaked in vinegar.
The Bauman’s attorney stated that some may prefer salt and vinegar, respectively, and should not be judged insane for doing so.
Judge Dorn has continued the case until next week when testimony as to Mr. Louis’ sane / insane state of mind will be continued.

• Ice Plant Sells
Mssr. John Hay, a respected businessman, has announced the sale of his ice manufactory, with all fixtures, to Mssr. A. F. Bullene. Mssr. Bullene states that a general up-grading of the plant is in order. He intends to continue using the Compression system of freezing, which employs four elements in the refrigeration cycle: compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. In the evaporator the refrigerant is vaporized and heat is absorbed from the space being cooled.
All orders for ice should be left off at the livery stable during the brief transition. Deliveries are available as before.

• Stanford Accepts Student
Stanford University has announced the acceptance of applicant Joseph Hallard into studies there. In preparation for their son’s departure, Mr. and Mrs. Hallard have invited one and all to a “going away” party. A very enjoyable time is promised to all persons who arrive at the Hallard home any time this Friday afternoon or evening.
The young Master Hallard has not yet announced the nature of the studies he plans to pursued at the university.

• Big Fire Burns
Hoodlums experimenting with incendiaries are suspected as the source of the big fire now burning in the hills between Monterey and Salinas. Located not far from the Salinas River, the fire began before midnight and by morning had burned several thousand acres of chaparral, oak, and undergrowth. The fire has now extended more than two miles beyond its starting place, and it is still burning steadily. The smoke can be seen for miles around.

• Girls wanted to learn sewing
Mrs. Ed McGuire, dressmaker, is seeking girls to work with her as interns in learning the trade of dressmaking. Mrs. McGuire states that she expects a full day of labor in exchange for room and board.
The girls will earn a modest commission on any dress sold, fully sewn.

• Prunedale School in State of Shock
Miss F. A. Moore, revered teacher, had scarcely gotten her classes underway when she suffered a stroke reported to have been of severe proportions.
While Miss Moore is said to be resting as comfortably as can be expected, she has been described as “very confused” of mind. Much of her body is paralyzed. Miss Moore is so befuddled as to make dealing with the simplest of facts complication. It is believed she will be unable to return to teaching. The problem is compounded by Miss Moore having provided room and board for several students who stay within her home.
An emergency school board meeting is being planned to discuss a resolution for the problem.

• Merchant Announcements
J. A. Anderson’s reports that it has just received a large assortment of elegant buggy robes. Manufactured from cloth, the robes cost from $3 to $5. Leather robes are from $6 to $7.50.
Monterey Wood Yard will cut a full measure of wood, and season it, before delivery. $2.75 per cord, mixed varieties.
Vanderhurst & Sanborn Company has just received a fine lot of silk parasols. The parasols will be sold out, this Saturday only, at 50¢ each, your choice of color.
The White House on Alvarado Street in Monterey invites ladies to become elegant by wearing four-button gloves made of the softest kid skin. $1 per pair.
A. A. Schuchard, a scientific optician and jeweler, will travel to Pacific Grove to peddle a full line of cameras and photo supplies. Among the offerings are a LaCrosse, Jr., that takes square pictures measuring 2.5 X 2.5, is available at $2.50. A number 3 Peek-A-Boo camera, taking 4″ X 5″ pictures, costs $5.00.