Bemidji Daily Pioneer Newspaper, June 3, 1907, Page 1

- THE BEMIDJI DATLY PIONEE VOLUME 5. NUMBER 36 BEMIDJI, MINNESOTA, MONDAY EVENING, JUNE 3, 1907 FORTY CENTS PER MONTH - PRELIMINARY HEARING OF COCHRANE NEARING END Man Charged With Having Killed Allan Whitt, Near Wirt Postoffice, in Itasca County, Putting Up Strong Fight, * Wirt postoffice, was continued all “the case that will be made out by Through Attorn Grand Rapids, June 3.—(Spec- ial to the Pioneer.)—The prelim- inary hearing in the case of the state vs. David Cochrane of Deer Raver, who is charged with mur- der in the first degree, in having shot and killed Allan Whitt, near last week, and will probably be brought to a close today. George H. Spear, attorney for the defendant, is leaving no stone unturned to get at the bottom of the state, and County Attorney Thwing is closely watching the state’s interests. Mrs. Whitt, wife of the man who was killed, and who is the state’s principal witness, was on the stand nearly the whole of last week, and the woman was sub- jected to a heart-breaking ex- amination on the part of Attor- ney Spear, for the defendant. In her direct testimony, on be- half of the state, Mrs. Whitt stated that she was married to a man named Racine and lived in Racine, Wis., prior to January, 1905, at which time, she claims, the couple agreed on a separa-| tion, and shortly afterward, ac- cording to the witness’ own story, she went to Abbotsford, Wis., from Racine, where she was working in a hotel, and was married by a justice of the peace to Allan Whitt. She could not remember the name of the justice of thg peace, said she and Whitt had not procured a mar- riage license, and further that neither she or Racine, the man whom she left, had applied for a divorce prior to the alleged mar- riage with Whitt, According to Mrs. Whitt, the marriage to Whitt was performed at 10’clock in the ‘morning, at Abbotsford, and there were no wilnesses present at the ceremony, and no one but’'the contracting parties and the justice (the name of whom she could not remember) ever knew absolutely that such a marriage took place. It was brought out at the hearing that Racine, the woman’s first hus- band, secured a divorce from her in January, 1907, charging adult- ery. The stories of the exact man- ner in which Whitt met his death differ very materially, as told by Mrs. Whitt for the state, and| David Cochrane and Fred Ander- son, the latter two defendants. As the story is told by Mrs. Whitt (who is the state’s snle witness who was present when the tragedy was enacted), David Cochrane, who is accused of hav- ing fired the shot that killed Whitt, had been ut the home of Fred Anderson, near Wirt post- office, on the meriing of Whitt’s death, aund that Anderson had gone to Wirt to get his mail. When the latter returned to his hceme, he brought Mr. and Mrs. Whitt with him and iutroduced them to Cochrane, who was an attorney in Deer River and who had come out to his claim, near that of Anderson, to stop fora week in hopes of benefitting his health. Soon after the arcival of And- erson and Mr. and Mrs. Whitt, it was decided to go out and do some hunting, and Cochraune, Mr. and Mrs. Whitt left the house and went a short distance down the road. It appears that Whitt and Acderson had been drinking prior to coming to Anderson’s home,and that Whitt and Cochrane had some words while on the road leaving the house. Mrs. Whitt swears that while the three were on the Toad Cochrane (who had known Whitt ey G. H. Spear. his gun at Whitt’s breast and threatened to shoot him; that Whitt shoved the gun to one side and rubbing Cochrane’s cheeks, said that he(Whitt)would not kill Cochrane now, and that Cochrane went back to the house, threatening Whitt with violence as he went; that she and Whitt wenton down the road and after- wards returned to the Anderson house, Mrs. Whitt claimlng that she had left some article at the Anderson house which she want- ed. Mrs. Whitt states that they noticed Cochrane sitting in the door, with his gun across his knee, and when they had ap- proached to within a few feet of where Cochrane sat, the latter again leveled his gun at Whitt and with the words “You black Kentucky ———" pulled the trigger, the bullet entering Whitt’s breast. Whitt (according to Mrs.Whitt) stepped back a few feet when Cochrane aimed the gun, and Anderson, who was standing to the right of Whitt, sprang to where Whitt stood and grabbed the latter’s gun, which was rest- ing with the butt on the ground. When Cochrane fired, Whitt’s gun was in Anderson’s posses- sion and he was utterly atthe mercy of Cochrane. Mrs. Whitt says that she dropped down be- side her husband when he fell, wrung her hands and made frantic efforts to revive him, call- ing upon him to speak to her. Whitt, says the witiiess, expired with the words, “My wife.” While Mrs. Whitt claims to have been well nigh crazed aand out of her mind from grief, she bad the presence of mind to go into the house (when Cochrane stepped out) ani examine the in- terior to note whether there were any bullet marks visible any- where in the room; and she asserts that there were no signs anywhere of any shots having been fired into the room. The story of the manner in which Whitt met his death as given by Mr. Cochrane, and sub- stantiated by the testimony of Anderson, throws an entirely different light on the matter. They say that when Cochrane and Whitt and his wife went down the road to hunt, Whitt, who showed the effects cf liquor somewhat, threatened Cochrane and continued his abuse until Cochrane abruptly left and re- turned to the Anderson house; that while he and Anderson were in the house, with Cochrane standing directly in front of the door, they heard Whitt exclaim from the outside, “I’ll kill the old ———,” and then a shot rang out, the bullet passing through the doorway, just missing Coch- rane and passing on into the further room, lodged in a win- dow sill. Cochraneand Anderson state that Cochrane simply stuck his guon in front of him and without taking any aim, fired out of the door. There was a scream and upon going outside Whitt was frund lying on the ground, with a bullet hole in his upper left i side. The claim is made that the shot was fired immediately after the bulletfrom Whitt’s gun came near lending Cochrane’s earthfy car- eer; and was fired on the im- pulse of the moment, m a spirit of self-defense; that Cochrane had not, at any time during the day leveled his gun at Whittor in any manner threatened him. It is also depied that any reference was made by Cochrane as to but a few hours, and had no grievance against him) leveled burying the body and letting the coroner ‘‘come and dig it up, if he wanted it.” Mrs, Whitt remained in the house all right with Cockrane and Anderson, despite the fact that she has stated that she was in mortal terror of her life being also taken, An empty shell was found in Whitt’s gun. The stories differ very mater- ially, as told by Mrs. Whitt for the state and Cochrane and An- derson for the defense. Anderson has also beea charg- ed with murder in the first de- gree, the charge being based on the testimony given_by Mrs. Whitt—that he snatched Whitt’s gun from the latter’s hands. Mr. Cochrane is an attorney of Deer River; he is about 60 years old, and has always borne an untarnished reputation as a law-abiding citizen, Anderson is also a man of good character. Will Have Local Ball Team. The dyed-in-the-wool ‘‘fans’ of this city do not propose to be without a ball team this year and are devising ways and means to have a strictly loecal nine dur- ing the remainder of the sum- mer. Adam Otto has taken hold of the matter and will organize a team. There are several good players in the city, and it is Mr, Otto’s intention to get the men together. Anyone who can play ballis requested to call on him, and talk the situation over. DOINGS AMONG BEMIDJI'S GOUNTRY NEIGHBORS Live Correspondents of the Pioneer Write the News From Their Localities. TURTLE RIVER. June 1.—(Special to Pioneer.) Dan Havilton and Will Colahan were in from the drive. Lee Calaban returned Satur- day evening from Brainerd. S. R. Moorhead leaves this morning with his family for Crookston. John Racey left Saturday morning for Brainerd to visit with his daughter. C. M., Booth and family were Bemidji visitors, the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Hubby. Mrs. B. D. Bridgham was a Bemidji caller, the guest of Judge Pendergast and family. Mike Walters, one of Turtle River’s most industrious farm- ers, was a Turtle visitor today. Mrs, Edith Porter left Satur- day morning for Milaca, Minn., to attend the funeral of her father, Mrs. John Stanley returned last evening from Brainerd. She states that Gladys, her little daughter, is somewhat better. Duncar McQuillan, a dispenser of drinks in Jack Dale’s refresh- ment parlors, was a Bemidji visitor between trains today. Dunk is all around good boy. Methodist Church for Spooner. Northern News: The village of Spooner is now assured a Methodist church, and work will be begun on the erection of a church building just as soon as the land can be cleared. While Mr. Carpenter and Mr. Clarke were here this week they both donated $100 each toward the new church, and Mr, .Shevlin likewise gave $100 and the Shev- lin-Mathieu Lumber Company helped the cause along with an- other $100. Besides this, some two hundred do'lars more has been subscribed by parties liv- ing here in our midst, and the M. E. fund will further add with about $450. This will make a goodly sum to get the good work started and erect a suitable church building. The mill com- pany dorated two lots for this purpose some time ago, being lots 1 and 2 of Block 8 of the First Addition in this townsite. This is something we need very badly and we are glad to see the work carried on with such good results. Local nevys»orlrxmtfile last page. LINE UP AT CASS LAKE LAND OFFIGE GROWING Homesteaders in Line at Land Office For Opening June 12 and July Ist--- Five Civil War Veterans. assumed entire charge himself. “The deal was an entirely ami- cable and friendly one. Mr, Hawkins and Mr. Graham are friends of old standing and.the only reason that Mr. Graham re- linquishes his interest is on ac- count of the fact that his nu- merous interests in Bemidji and other Minnesota towns require Cass Lake, June 3.—(Special|his constant attentions and thus to Pioneer.)—Theline in front of the U. S. Land Office is growing steadily. The men who have been waiting since May 21st,are beginning to show the strain of their tedious wait. However they are all game. Not one having de- serted the ranks since the first man, Clof Olson, took ' position number one. The July 1stline now outnumbers the June 12th aggregation. 23 are for July 1st, 21 are for June 12th. The men have secured a building adjoin- ing the land office and spend the nights there leaving two or three to watch lest something turn up. When asked what they would do if on waking up some morning they found .all their places - occupied, the men pro- mised that one of the most stub- born and fiercest fights ever waged for a piece of Uncle Sam’s domain would take place. There are no less than five civil war veterans in the line up,wait- ing to claim a piece of the land upon which they so bravely foughtin the year of 61, and with the same spirit with which they fought for their nation,they promise to fight for a home if it becomes necessary to do s0. Meet me at the City opera house tonight. Sutherland Vaudeville Co. Graham Sells Meat Market. J. F. Hawkins of this city has purchased the interests of John Graham in the Palace Meat Mar- ketat Minot, N.D.,and the Mino$ Optic says of the deal: “One of the business deals of interest to the people of Minot and the housewives especially, this week, was the one whereby Mr. J. F. Hawkins bought out Mr. John Graham of the Palace Meat Market on Main street and Going To Build? There was a time when about all a man had to do to build a house was to chop down a few trees, get his neighbors together and have a “raising bee,”’and in a short time a log houss was the result. But little if any hardware was used. Today all this is changed and builder’s hardware is an 1mportant part in the plans and specifications. Doors and windows must be equipped with artistic and ser- viceable locks, and a great deal of taste is shown in the selec- tion of this important part. I have in stock Builders’ Hardware that is attractive both in ap- pearance and price, and will be more than pleased if you will give me a chance to figure with you. 1 do not claim to be the low- est in price on everything but will save you money in the end and will give you the very best grade of goods obtainable at the right price. - We have door locks com- plete from twenty-five cents to as high as you would cave to go and in a great many differ- ent designs. I want your busniess and can furnish you the right goods at the right price. J.A.Ludington The Hardware Man Telephone 250 being unable to give his share of attention to the business, he de- cided that it would be best to sell out to Mr. Hawkins. “Nearly every family in Minot knows the genial and ever pleas- ant Mr. Hawkins and within the last few months he has certainly built up a phenomenal business by his courteous and obliging treatment. “Mr. Hawkins has been mak- ing a specialty of Kansas and Sioux City beef, ‘the kind differ- ent from the ordinary kind,’ and his judgment has certainly been vindicated by his enormous sales of this particular brand, He is now in a position to buy every- thing for cash and this will of course result in his patrons re- ceiving the very best of every- thing for the same reasonable price which they have been used to paying, and if courteous and obliging treatment mean any- thing Mr. Hawkins will certainly gain many new customers. The Palace Meat Market under Mr. Hawkins’ direct ownership and personal care has the very brightest future before it.” GRAND OPENING MILES NEW THEATRE NEXT WEEK Finishing Touches Being Put on the Finest Theatrical Building in Northern Minnesota The New Miles theatre build- ing is nearing completion and Mr. Miles expects to finish same this weel. - The opening night has been set for some evening the fore part of next week. In speaking of same the Hib- bing Tribune says: The finishing touckes are be- ing put on the 'magnificently furnished and beautifully decor- ated Miles Hotel and Vaudeville Theatre and Messrs Miles and Markham hope to be in a posi- tion within a week or ten days to positively announce the date of opening. There will be a grand opening and - the public will be given an opportunity to see all the appointments of the finest hotel and the most beautiful vau- deville theatre in the northwest. Nothing that money could buy and that art could accomplish has baen spared to make the ho- tel complete and the theatre per- fect in all its appointments and the finished building will un- doubtedly be a revelation of beaufy even to those who have noted the work as it has been done. The new Miles Theatre, than which there is nothing finer in the United States, will have the International Circuit Bookings and the atiractions which visit the house will be the same as those seen at the Bijou in Duluth and at the vaudeville houses of the twin cities. Wes Wright Will Grade Railroad. Wes Wright left this morning for LaPorte, where he will enter into an agreement with John Moberg to do some grading on the railroad that is being built in the Kabekona country for the use of Walker & Akelsy. Mr. Wright has about finished the work of grading the streets for the city and has a crew of men who will be put on the Kabe- kona work. A large number of men and horses from Bemidji will be used in the Kabekona grading, by Mr. Wright. JUDGE L. G. PENDERGAST’S MEMORIAL DAY SPEECH A Touching Tribute Paid to the Memory of His Comrades ‘Who Have Gone Before---Speech Made With i - No Previous The Pioneer has been re- quested by many of its readers to give a fuller account of the speeches made at the Memorial exercises by L.G. Pendergast and Charles W. Scrutchin. Both addresses were of more than ordinary merit, and we will reproduce most of both. A generous portion of Mr. Pendergast’s speech will be giver in this issue, and tomorrow we will give Mr. Scrutchin’s speech. Mr. Pendergast had made but little preparation for his speech, butin opening his remarks, he stated that he. would be like a Methodist mimster he knew of, who said that he simply opened his mouth and the Lord did the rest. Mr, Pendergast said, 1a part: It has been customary for the past forty years to meet to- gether on the 80th day of May, in the cemeteries of our country to renew our pledges of loyalty to the government and to lay flowers on the graves of those who fell in its defense. We do not do is to give honor to a few in- dividuals who live with us today, but in a larger sense it is a trib- ute of respect that this gener- ation gives to our country as it was forty years ago. 7 “To the younger people of this community, I would talk of the conditions surrounding us before the Civil war. “There are only two kinds of government in the world. There never were but two and there never will be but two as long as time exists. The ome kind is represented by kings and em- perors. The one-man power is the power of one set of men who rule the people with more or less severity, according to the mood of the ruler. The other is a democracy, where the people govern themselves. Naturally, all the governments of Europe would like to see the influence of the U. 8. destroyed. “Large standing armies had to be maintained to keep the people in subjection, while we had no army, but depended upon the patriotism of the people in case of war. It was frequently stated by the press and leading states- man of Europe that a republican form of government in the United States was only an experiment and that the first breath of in- ternal trouble that government would go to pieces. The wish was father of the thought. “While the confederate gev- ernment was republican in form, if it should succeed it would on- ly make good the assertion that there was no strength in a gov- ernment of the people. ‘“We were suddenly plunged into the greatest war in all his- tory, without military experience, without money, without credit abroad and with all the sympathy of all the civilized world, except Russia, against us,the American people, with less than ten per cent of the populatien of Europe, fought a greater war, greater battles, and lost more men than all the great military nations of Europe had lost in all their wars in the last one hundred years; and, in the language of the great President Lincoln, secured a new birth of freedom for- our country and proved thata gov- ernment of the people was the strongest on earth. “The records in the adjutant general’s office at Washington show that from 1861 to 1865, 100,000 men were killed in battle, 185,000 died .of disease, 80,000 Don’t forget it, tonight at the City opera house, Sutherland’s Big Show. b . Local news on the last page: died in southern prisons, and there were 185,000 reported miss- ing after the great battles, and as all the knowndeadareaccount- Preparation. ed for, it stands to reason that three-fourths of the missing lost their lives and now fill the 150,000 unknown graves in our country today. Take into consideration the number that went home to die, shattered in health, and there must have been nearly 500,000 men in the loyal states of the Union who lost their lives as a direct result of the war. “These figures are so stupend- ous that the average mind can grasp them only by comparison. Form this great host in line of march in four columns, suitably divided nto infantry, artillery and cavalry, begin the line of march at Bemidji and continue it for two weeks, at the rate of twenty miles per day, six days in the week, and the van guard will be in Minneapolis before the rear guard has left Bemidji. “In my mind I see the shadowy forms ot that great column pass in review, beckoning and leading us on to that grand encampment on the other shore. “Today the spectres of our fallen comrades keep silent watch on the banks of that historie river. Their hearts are stilled, that generations ago beat with & strength equal to the mighty rush of their own deep tides. ‘‘As we assemble together on each succeeding Memorial day, in the hallowed grounds of the cemeteries, as the little mounds become more numerous and our - ranks become thinner, as the hair grows white and the step more feeble, let us, the living, twine leaves of the fairest flowers in memory of those unknown heroes; those who fell in the great conflicts at Fredricksburg, Cold Harbor, and Malvern Hill, at Antietam, Gettysburg and the Wilderness; at Shiloh, Stoms river and Chicamauga, at Look- out Mountain and Mission Ridge, where the brave boys of the wess climbed the steep hillside in the 2 face of sheeted fire and flameand carried our country’s banner. Those who fell on that grand march with Sherman from :At- lanta to the sea; those who fell on the long and wearisome marches, in the hospitals and prison pens of the south, now fill the 150,000 unknown graves, They were our friends and com- rades. ‘Sleeping side by side, Awaiting the judgment day, Under the roses the blue, Under;the lilies the grey.’ “I remember an incident in the seven days’ battle on the peninsula. After six days of de. feat for the Union army, outgens eraled and discouraged, six days of fighting by day and retreating by night,surrounded by enemies, many of their number 19-year- old beardless boys, more than & thousand miles from home,in the drizzling rain, wet to the skin, with dead and wounded com- rades lying all around, trying %o make themselves as comfortable as possible with little fires;under all these conditions, some of the boys began singing the patriotic song of ‘We will rally ’round the flag, boys, we’llrally once again.* Hundreds of voices joined in, and when they sang that verse whera it says, ‘We will fill the vascany ranks of our brothers gone be- fore,’ it was so pathetic that the hardest-hearted man could no$ have helped crying. “And there was not one of those boys who thought for a moment that he was one of the world’s greatest heroes. ‘‘Remember the unknown dead and do full justice to the grea . effort they made to préserve in- tact this glorious republic,” Judge Pendergast was a mem- ber of the famous First Minne- -