Bemidji Daily Pioneer Newspaper, January 27, 1908, Page 1

r VOLUME 5. NUMBER 238. BEMIDJI, MINNESOTA, MONDAY' EVENING, JANUARY 27, 1908. SCHOOLS OVERCROWDED; MORE ROOMS ARE NEEDED A. P. Ritchie, Superintendent of Bemidji City Schools, Tells of Local Conditions and Suggests that Measures Be at Once Taken for Relief. To the Editor of the Pioneer: I have been repeatedly asked by patrons the Bemidji public schools to presentan article to the of public stating the present crowded condition of our schools, and to pre- sent the matter of securing addi- tional school room. That our schools are crowded and at present many pupils are inade- quately housed cannot be disputed. Every room in the main central building is full, except seventh grades in which a few more might be accommodated; some, how- ever, have an enrollment which far exceeds the seating capacity of the rooms, and in one instance two teachers are compelied to occupy the same room and pupils attend half-day sessions only. In the Catholic church property the enrollment in both rooms far exceeds the seating capacity. In the street building conditions are still worse; the rooms are not only crowded, but are poorly-heated, lighted and still poorer ventilated. It has been the custom here as it is in practically all schools of the state to admit beginners in the spring term. At present I can hardly see how this can be done this year without greatly over-crowding the present congested primary rooms. So far as I know, all patrons of the school agree that more room is needed, differing only in how it should be done, and where a new building should be located. These are matters that should interest every patron of the school and every tax payer in the district. To my mind it would not be wise to extend the policy of erecting more small buildings. This is a habit that many growing towns fall into and all abandon sooner or later— but not without having paid dearly for the experience. It costsa great deal more money to pay the running expenses of small buildings than a large one of the same number of rooms. At the present time it costs more money to care for the rooms and heating of the three small build- ings holding six teachers than the main building holding seventeen. I think no one will advocate the renting of more outside rooms. The High School department has grown from a small struggling school of a few years ago to one of the in the two —_— e strong, substantial schools of the state. At one time the high quarters were ample but now they are out grown and can no longer accommodate the boys and girls who assembled to receiveinstruction. This year it would have been im- possible to seat all who enrolled in the high school had it not been arranged so that some could come in the forenoon and others in the afternoon. The present central building makesa fairly good grade building but never wasintended for a high school building. In my opinion the present building should be given over to the grades and a high school building erected that would accommodate the seventh and eighth grades and have three or four grade rooms to spare. Now as to the location; it does not seem to me that this ought to be a hard matter to settle. If we are agreed that a building is needed then place it at the best available location. Ido not think that it should be located down town nor do I think it showed be located clear away from settlements, It should be born in mind that a school build- ing is not for the present only, but a permanent improvement for fifty years hence as well as the present. Some say place it on the same block with the central building. If that is the best location place it there. One must remember that certdin things should be considered in doing so. Would it not increase the rate of insurance and danger from fire? Would it not bring too many children together and increase the danger of epidemic? Would it look as well? Block 19 is still mentioned and to my opinion would not make a bad sight. Itis also proposed to buy the north half of the block lying between America and Irving avenues and between Sixth and Seventh streets, also the south half of the block north of this and discontinue Seventh street across this block and erect the building in the center of the land purchased. _This certainly would show off the building well and has many points in its favor. It is certain that a petition will be presented to the clerk in a short time. If anyone has any other sights to mention let us hear from you. Respectfully submitted, —A. P. Ritchie. | HAVE INSTALLED MOVING PIGTURES AT THE RINK Manager Snow Has Leased a Kino- drome.—Pictures Free to Skaters. —Spectators 10c. The management of the Bemidiji Roller Skaking Rink has leased one of the famous Kinodrome moving- picture machines and, begining with this pictures skating. There will be no extra charge for those who skate, but spectators will be charged 10-cents for seeing the pictures. The Kinodrome is said to be the very best moving-picture machine on the market today. It is im- possible to purchase one of these machines; they are leased at a cer- tain price, and accompanying the machine is an operator, who is very efficient in manipulating the machine and the pictures. There will be skating from 7:30 to evening, will give moving in connection with the 8:30, when the moving-pictures will ! be given from 8:30 to 9. Skating will be resumed from 9 to 9:30, suc- ceeded by moving-pictures until 10 o’clock. . excellent evening’s entertainment to both skaters and spectators. There will be two moving picture shows, absolutely free to skaters, but a 10-cent charge to spectators. The roller rink has a fine stage, which is equipped with $1,000 worth of scenery. There is plenty of room in the rink; the stage is supplied with an asbestos curtain, and there are exists both at the front and rear. The rink will be opened at 7:30 each evening, and those who go are assured of a splendid evening’s entertainment. The Kinodrome gives excellent satisfaction as a picture machine and the management has a large number of new films that are the verylatest. Installed New Switchboard. The Warfield Electric Company, owners of the local city electric lighting plant, has installed a new switchboard in the plant. board will be used instead of the old board, and has a capacity of 2,000 k. w., while the old board was but 400 k. w. Rev. H. F. Parshall was over from Cass Lake last night. He con- ducted Episcopal services at the L O. O. F. hall last evening. school |« This ] DULUTH PLAYERS GLAIM THEY WON GAME FRIDAY Will Not Admit Tie, Although They Refuse to Play to the Finish. On their return to Duluth, the members of the Duluth Y. M. C. A. basketball team (who i played a tie game here Friday evening against Big Bemidg”) claimed the game by a score of 18 to 17, at the same time admitting that they had no scorer with them, but that they kept an accurate account of the game while engaged in the hardest struggle in which they they lhave partici- pated this season, when their undivided attention was riveted on the plays in order to stop the whirlwind rushes of the locals. The Duluth players intimate, through the columns of the Duluth Herald, that the local score keepers and associate referee were incom- petent and didn’t do the right thing. Such talk is all rot. The score was accurately kept, and the visiting players had a referee of their own, and the gentleman was not at all backward calling fouls and person- ally asserting his superior knowledge of the game. The true “thusness of the why” is that the Duluth team did not expect to encounter such fast players as compose the local team and as they were played to a standstill, they had to give some excuse to their sup- porters, when they returned to Duluth, for not having “wiped up the floor” with “Big Bemidg.” As to rough playing, the visiting players lost no opportunity to elbow and knee the locals, and one of the visitors went so- far as to kick “Billie” Collins on the head, inflict- ing a bump like unto a goose egg. The positive refusal of two of the Duluth players to continue the play- ing until the tie was decided was indicative of a wholesome respect for the playing ability of the Bemidji team. With Brown in good physical con- dition, the Duluth team, we believe, is not the equal of “Big Bemidg.” i Card Party and Lunch. The ladies of St. Philip’s Aid society will give a card party and lunch at the Red Men’s hall, Thurs- day evening, January 30th. Tickets 25 cents. DECISION ON BRIDGES EXPECTED ANY DAY NOW Mayor Shunk Says He Has Filed His Findings in Mississippi River Hearing. i Major Shunk, chief engineer of the U. S. army engineering corps of St. Paul, was a visitor in Bemidji this morning, having come to this city from Bena, where he had been making a visit: to the government reservoir at the Winnibigoshish dam, at the outlet of Lake Winnibigosh- ish. Major Shunk has been visiting all of the reservoirs, on an official trip of inspection, and has completed the labor, with the exception of the reservoir known as the Pine river dam. Major Shunk ‘was in charge of the meeting which was held here last September, when evidence was taken relative to the navigability of the Mississippi river between Lake Be- midji and Lake Irving, and above Lake Irving, and also for the pur- pose of formulating rules governing the use of the river for driving logs. The major -states that he has filed his: findings in the matter with the ofl'iclals of the war depart- ment at Wn!«ngton, and that the decision is expected to be filed and made puplic any day, as the papers have already been prepared. TAX COMMISSION WILL MEET GOUNTY ASSESSORS Auditor Wilmann Attended Meeting of County Auditors at St. Paul Last Week. County Auditor John Wilmann has returned from St. Paul, where he spent last week on business con- nected with his official position. Mr. Wilmann attended the annual meeting of the county auditors of the state, which was held in St. Paul last Tuesday. -~ At this meeting matters of mutual interest to all of the auditors were discussed, and suggestions made as to the bettering of the service rendered by auditors generally. The auditors in attendance at the meeting held a consultation with the members of the State Tax Commis- sion, in which tax matters of the state were discussed quite generally It has been agreed that some members of the tax commission will meet with the various assessors of every county in the state, at a date set early enough to precede the returning of assessments. At this meeting suggestions and rules will be formulated so that it will not be necessary for the county and state boards of equalization to make so many changes in the original assessments-made by county asses- sors. Fine Atiractions This Week. Stutzman and Crawford, comedy sketch artists, arrived in this city today from St. Paul and will appear at the Brinkman Family Theatre this week. They come highly rec- 6mmended and will undoubtedly make good in this city. The best productions in film are used at this theatre. Complete change of pro- gram. tonight. Additional local matter will be found on fourth page. - j | | i The above program will give an Local news on last page Pioneer Advertising Reaches the People. Advertisements printed in the Bemidji Pioneer are read by more people than if published in any other three news- papers combined printed in Beltrami -county. The Pioneer has three times the circulation of any Beltrami county competitor, and contains more local,’ county and state news, hence our adver- tising space brings larger returns. We Court Investigation BEMIDJI PIONEER. Historical Soclety. E BEMIDJI DAILY PIONEE f.'.iiéi'é[:',li.'« MT e FORTY CENTS PER MONTH LETTER FROM TRIAL JUDGE SAVED‘MUNN’S EXECUTION Judge McClenahan Wrote the Pardon Board that Munn’s Petition for Commutation of Sentence Was More Worthy than that of Mathieson. The St. Paul Pioneer Press of Sun- day morning contained the follow- ing account of the action of the State Board of Pardons in commut- ing the death sentence of Merten S. Munn to life imprisonment. “On the recommendation of Judge W. 8. McClenahan of Brainerd, who imposed the sentence, pardon board yesterday commuted the sentence of Merton S. Munn from death to life imprisonment. A request that such action be taken was refused by the board last Tuesday, but the case was again considered yester- day and the request granted. The only new matter for the board to consider was .a letter from Judge McClenahan. “In the formal order of the board notifying the sheriff of its action the reason given for the action is that ‘upon the ground and for the rea- son that the demands of justice will be best subserved by such com- mutation of sentence.” © The case is peculiar in that Munn’s case as well as that of Peter N. Mathieson’s was tried at the same term of court and the death sentence was imposed upon both prisoners on the same day. “In his letter to the board Judge McClenahan takes the ground that of the two Munn was more entitled to clemency than was Mathieson, and in view of the fact that the board had commuted the latter’s sentence to life imprisonment he thought similiar action ought in all justice to be taken in Munn’s case. He said there was in the latier case an element of defense on the ground of self-defense, there being some testimony to show that a slight attack had been made upon Munn by his victim. He does not state that he considers the defense good, but makes the point that this feature of the case is a point in Munn’s favor which was lacking m Math|eson s case. “Munn was convicted on Sept. 23, 1907, of the murder of August Franklin and the death sentence was imposed on Oct. 5, following. Notice of the imposition of this sentence as well as that of the sentence of death imposed upon Mathieson was received by Gov. Johnson and, pursuant to the law requiring the governor to set the date for the execution, he ordered that it take place in both cases on Feb. 7. “One of the elements in the case was the question of intimacy be- ween Munn and Mrs. Franklin, this being urged by the prosecution asa motive for the murder aside from the alleged attack on Munn. When the case was being argued before the pardon board it was admitted that there wassome evidence tending to prove such relations, but it was claimed that after such stories had been circulated Franklin consented to the partnership between Munn and his wife and assisted in the leasing of the building in which the restaurant was conducted. “Munn insists upon his innocence of any intention to commit murder and that the shooting was done in self-defense.. It is probable that now that the death sentence has been commuted an effort will be made to carry the case to the supreme court in an effort to secure a new trial. In the orderissued by the board the sheriff of Beltrami county is direcied to turn Munn overto the warden of the state prison at Stillwater without un- necessary delay.” G. M. Torrance of this city took ;up Munn’s case, as his legal repre- | sentative, after the board . first refused commutation of sentence. _— THE FOSSTON TEAMS WON FROM GASS LAKE TEAMS Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball Quints from Two Towns Played Hard-Fought Contests. — Cass Lake, Jan. 27.—(Special to Pioneer.)—The boys’ and girls’ basketball teams of the Cass Lake high school were defeated here Sat- urday evening by the boys’ and girls’ teams of the Fosston high' school,the boys’ game ending 10 to 8 in favor of Fosston, the _score of the girls’ game being 8 to 6, with the Fosston girls on the long end of the score. The games were played at the gymnasium of the Cass Lake high school and were called at 8:30 p. Professor Biddinger of Bemidji was chosen referee and Village Attorney Funk of Cass Lake acted as ‘umpire, the gentlemen giving satisfaction to both players and spectators. The boys’ game ‘was called first, and it proved to be a determined struggle. Roughness characterized the plav- of the members of both boys’ teams, the Fosston team show- ing more "team work and skill in shooting baskets; and at the end of the first half the score was 6 to 1 in favor of Fosston.- In the second half of the game Cass Lake braced up. wonderfully, the players putting forth every effort to overcome the big lead gained by the visitors. ~Fosston was too strong, however, and the game resulted in a score of 10 to 8 in favor of Fosston. The Fosston players won the game thréugh their superior team work asa whole. Cass Lake was strong individually, but showed poor team work, The game between the girls’ teams was a very close contest; in fact, the teams were so evenly mstclmd that it was necessary to play for five minutes extra at the conclusion of the second half before the game was won by Fosston, the players of both teams showing much skill in handling the ball; Fosston, if anything, dis- playing a little better team work. At the end of the first half the score was 4 to 4. . The second half brought out very fast playing bylboth teams and at the end;of the half the score stood 6 to 6. Referee Biddinger ordered the game continued, without change of goal. The Cass Lake girls tried several times for baskets, but were unsuccessful in making them. Finally the Fosston team made a field goal, gainlng the game by the two points. i There was the best of feeling at the conclusion of the game. m. | “Pigneer Advertising Gets the Goods.” A. B. Palmer, the Solway livery- man was in the city today, looking after some business matters at the court house. Mr. Palmer uses the Pioneer advertising columns when he desires good results. Recently, he inserted a want advertisement in the Pioneer for a blacksmith. Tuday, he said of the results: “For heaven’s sake, take that advertisement out of the Pioneer. I had three applicants at my place of business, the next. day -after in- serting the ad. The twin city daleies wrote me and told ‘me I should insert the ad. in their papers, but I have a man, and am certain that the Pioneer advertising gets the goods.” County Board Meets Tomorrow. .~ The board of county commission- ers of Beltrami county will meet in adjourned session at the court house tomorrow to complete -the trans- action of the business that- was left over from the annual meetmg, held the first weei in Jamury. -