Bemidji Daily Pioneer Newspaper, March 28, 1908, Page 1

VOLUME 5. NUMBER 291. Histetical Society. - THE BEMIDJI DAILY PIONE MINNESOTA HISTORICAL BEMIDJI, MINNESOTA, SATURDAY EVENING, MARCH 28, 1908. C. W. STANTON APPOINTED JUDGE OF DISTRICT COURT Named by Governor Johnso n to Succeed Marshal A. Spooner, Resigned.—Appointment Will Give General Satisfaction to the Bar. C. W. STANTON, St. Paul, march 28.---(Special to Pioneer.)---C. W. Stanton, county attorney for Koochiching county, formerly of Appleton, has been named by Governor Johnson as associate judge of the Fifteenth Judicial district to succeed Marsh. all A. Spooner, resigned. _ There were several candidates for the position, among whom were P. J. Russell and G. M. Torrance of Bemidji and A. L. Thwing of Grand Rapids. The Appointment gives general satisfaction here. The appointment of C. W. Stanton of International Falls, as judge of the Fifteenth Judicial district to suc- ceed Marshall A. Spooner, resigned, is received with general satisfaction here, both among the members of the bar of Beltrami county and the public generally. Since Judge Spooner tendered his resignation to Governor Johnson, there has been much controversy and no little bitterness among local aitorneys as to which of two Bemidji attorneys might have been recom- mended for appointment as judge, with the result that the attorneys could not unanimously agree on any Bemidji candidate. The naming of Mr. Stanton comes as a sort of ac- ceptable compromise to the warring factions, and as the gentleman is in every way qualified for the position, it is generally conceded thatGovernor Johnson acted wisely in naming Mr. Stanton for the judgeship. Mr. Stanton has authorized the statement that he will accept the appointment, and further, that he will at once move from International Falls to Bemidji and make his home in this city, it being con- ceded that this city is the only really advantageous location for the chambers of the judge, on account of being the general cen- ter of the territory, not covered by Judge McClenahan of Brainerd, the senior judge of the district. C. W.Stanton,the newly-appointed judge of the Fifteenth Judicial dis- trict, is a “native son” of the great state of Minnesota, having been born in Goodhue county in 1862, and has made his home in the “North Star” state continuously. Mr. Stanton received a common school education, and later attended the University of Minnesota. After leaving the University of Minne-' sota, Mr. Stanton located at Apple- ton, Minn., (in1888) and began the practice of law, and he spent most of his life at that place. While he was practicing law at Appleton, Mr. Stanton was engaged in much important litigation. One of the most important matters in which he took a-prominent part was that in behalf of the settlers of Swift and adjoining counties against Russel Sage, which litigation involved the Hastings & Dakota railroad land] grant, and which resulted in restor- ing some 25,000 acres of land to the settlers. This case was carried through all the state courts and finally went to the United States supreme court for adjudication. The result of the case was a great victory for Mr. Stanton. In October, 1904, Mr. Stanton moved from Appleton to the present town of International Falls (which was then called “Koochiching”) and he has made his home at that place since then. Mr. Stanton was the prime mover in organizing the new county of Koochiching, and was very active in carrying the organization through a successful election whereby the territory wanted for the county was detached from Itasca county. Mr. Stanton represented Koochiching county’s interests in the courts, and he won out in every instance. . Mr. Stanton has been county at- torney of Koochiching county -since its organization. The newly-appointed judge will, in all probability, take his seat on Wednesday, at which time Judge Spooner has requested that he be re- lieved. There is a term of court in progress here now, and Mr. Stanton will at once “get into” judicial har- ness, as there are still many cases to dispose of, including several criminal indictments. Call at Stewart’s Confectionery, and look at his elegant display of fruit. It is the finest in the city. George E. Erickson returned to Spooner last night after attending FORTY CENTS PER MONTH WILL TENDER BANQUET T0 JUDGE M. A. SPOONER Members of Bar Will Attend Farewell Gathering in Honor of the Retiring Jurist. The members of the Beltrami County Bar association have decided to tender a banquet to Marshal A. Spooner of this city, the retiring associate judge of Fifteenth Judicial district, on Wednesday evening, April 1, at which time it is proposed to demonstrate the high esteem in which the judge is held by the prac- ticing attorneys of the district. The proposition of giving the banquet was discussed at a meet- ing of the bar association, when the following committee was appointed to arrange for the affair: E. E. McDonald, D. H. Fisk and F. A. Jackson of this city. The arrangement committee has engaged the spacious dining room of the Markham hotel for a banquet- ing room, and Landlord Lycan has been given cart blanche in prepar- ing the feast. The committee has sent out invi- tations to every attorney practicing law in the Fitteenth Judicial dis- trict, and it is expected that there willbe a large number of outside members of the bar in attendance. There is the most sincere regret expressed on all sides among the attorneys of the Fifteenth district at the action taken by Judge Spooner in sending his .resignation to Governor Johnson. When it was first rumored that the judge would resign he was flooded with letters ex- pressing the hope that the rumors of his intended resignation would prove untrue, and adding regrets that he had in mind such a move. These letters undoubtedly retarded the judge in making his announcement of retirement; but he received so flattering an offer to practice law in court the last few days. the west that he could not well say nay. It is expected that several speak- ers of note among the legal fraternity of the state: will be present at the farewell banquet, and it is predicted that the gathering will be one of the most representative affairs of the kind ever held in this district. Fine Show Coming. The plot and story of “On the Bridge at Midnight” which is to appear for one night, Monday, March 30, at City Opera House, is a triumph of ingenuity and play con- struction, and among the cleverest and most interesting on the stage. A blind mother seeks a kidnapped child and meets with experience that would overwhelm anybody but such a mother. The child is an im- portant part that furnishes much of the interest. The play was an in- stantaneous success in Chicago where scenes are laid ahd the fam- ous bridge located. GUARANTEE. I personally guarantee “On the Bridge at Midnight” as an attraction that is first-class in every respect. Any dissatisfied party or parties can call at the box office after the second act and I will cheerfully refund their money. & i (Signed) - M. F. Cunningham, Sec., Mgr., City Opera House. Additional local matter will be found on fourth page. IS THE Says the Grand Rapids Independent: “The way' that eracking good little daily, the Bemidji Daily Pioneer, handled the news in the Godetts murder case in Koochiching county was good to see. The Pioneer had them all scooped and did its work in a most thorough manner, which should be appreciated by the gen- eral public and busmess men of Bemidji.” ARE YOU A SUBSCRIBER? J. A, WESSELL SHOULD BE NAMED ON THE BOARD As a Member of the Game and Fish Commission His Choice Would Be Popular. — There is considerable speculation here as to who will be named by Governor Johnson as a member of The case of the state vs. Tollef the board of State Game and Fish commissioners to succeed C. W. Stanton, who will resign from the board to assume the position of judge of the Fifteenth judicial dis- trict, There is a strong sentiment in this part of the state in favor of the ap- pointment of Joseph A. Wessel of St. Paul, who is well known and very popular in northern Minnesota. Mr. Wessel isa member of the firm of Wessel Bros., laree manu- facturers of confectionery in St. Paul, and he has also extensive interests throughout the northern ! Peterson and Mike Shea, charged with grand larceny in the first de- gree, has been in district court since yesterday forenoon. The work of securing the jury was tedious and the regulsr panel was exhausted and 2 number were taken from the venire before the jury was secured to try the case. The jury was secured prior to the adjournment at noon and thetrial of the case was started at 1:30 p, m. yesterday. Roy C. Bryan, from whom it is part of the state. Mr. Wessel is the game and fish of the state. It is earnestly hoped that Gov- ernor Johnson will appoint Mr. Wes- The appointment will give great satis- sel as Mr. Stanton’s successor. faction here. Special Agent Here, T. J. Britt of St. agent for the Great business. his visit here. Mr. Britt is one of the-oldest and most trusted special agents in the employ of the Great Northern com- pany and he has many friends in this part of the state. an enthusiastic sportsman, and has always been a firm believer in the protection of Paul, special Northern railway company, spent today in the city looking after some official Mr. Brittis always on the “still hunt,” and beyond stating that he was looking for some thieves, would give no particular account of jclaimed the money 1n controversy | was taken, was the principal witness in the case, Charles Knox, George Denley and William Love, members of the local police force, also testi- fying on behalf of the state, after which the state rested. G. M. Torrance, of the attorneys for the defendants, moved for dis- missal of the case on the grounds that the evidence produced by the state did not connect'the defendants with the persons who were alleged to have entered the room and com- mitted the crime of larceny, or. in any way shows that the money was in their possession. The motion was denied. Tollef Peterson, one of the defend- ants, testified in his own behalf, and court adjourned until this morning at 8 o’clock. Last evening the grand jury pre- sented to the court, in open court, two true bills, the contents of which will not be divulged until the parties indicted are arraigned in open court. The final report of the grand jury was presented to the court by the foreman and the recommendations therein were approved and the report filed. “Ihe Pionee Bipgest Little Daily in the State.” Says the Walker Pilot: “The Bemidji Pioneer isn’t as big a daily as the Duluth Herald, but the northern press is throwing it about as many compliments. biggest little daily in the state.” The Pioneer is the IF NOT, WHY NOT? Bemidji, March 27, 1908. . “‘State of Minnesota, } Fourteenth Judicial District. “We, the grand jury of Beltrami county, now in session, wish to re- port as follows: “1st—That we have considered and disposed of all matters brought before us. “2nd—That we have visited the county jailand find the same prop- erly kept and the prisoners prop- erly treated and guarded. The jail is sanitary and clean and we com- mend the sheriff and those under him for the same. “3rd—That' we also visited the county poor farm and find that the farm buildings and inmates are properly cared for. We recommend that the commissioners do [certain repairing, replaster the walls and ceiling wherever the plaster has fallen off, and kalsomine the entire interior. We commend the superindendent of the poor farm for his careful and competent management. “We wish to thank the judge of this district, with the county attor- ney and also the other officials of this county, for the courtesy shown this grand jury in session. “Frank Collins, *“Foreman,” ::State of Minnesota, } County of Beltrami. “We, the grand jury in and for said county for the March, 1908, general term of the district court, do make and hereby report to the court as follows: “That we have duly considered GRAND: JURY FINISHES ITS LABORS.---IS DISCHARGED dJury Made Excellent Report and Is Highly Complimented by Judge Spooner.—Two True Bills Returned Just Prior to the Adjournment. the following cases in which we have found no indictments, viz. “State of Minnesota vs. Dunc McDugal; State of Minnesota vs. Herman Gesie and Carter; State of Minnesota vs. Barney Dyer; State of Minnesota vs. Hermanson; State or Minnesota vs. Jesse Tone; State of Minnesota vs. Herman Gesie; State of Minnesota vs. Henry Strom; State of Minnesota vs. Frank Sulli- van. “Dated March 27, 1908. . “Frank Collins, “Foreman.” The grand jury also presented a resolution relative to the retirement of Judge M. A. Spooner, which was also filed and which was as fol- lows: “We, the grand jury; respectfully submit that we sincerely regret that Judge M. A. Spooner has decided to resign from the bench. “In his departure we realize that we lose 2 most manly man and efficient, able, faithful, fair and im- partial judge. “Our fondness for his many splen- did qualities as citizen, neighbor, companion and judge will endure into legend, which will be outlived only by the splendor of his public record. “Though keenly we realize our own and the district’s loss, we hope that the call from the west, to which -our friend responds by leaving us; will truly prove 4 way to favor and fortune, and that his every step thither will be paved with pleasure. well wishes. “Dated March 27, 1908. “Frank Collins, *“Foreman.” When the grand jury had filed its final report Judge Spooner spoke to them briefly concerning their duties as grand jurors and their work at this term of court. He thanked the jurors for their careful and conscien- tious labors as members of the grand jury and unhesitatingly pronounced the grand jury at this term of court as being the very best in the history of his five years on the bench of the Fifteenth Judicial district. With husky voice Judge Spooner thanked the jurors for their kind words concerning his labors as judge, and said that although he would in the future be far removed from Bemidji and Beltrami county, he would always remember their ex- Ppressions of regret. The judge extolled the present grand jury system and stated that he was unqualifiedly in favor of con- tinuing the grand juries. They were as old as law itself and were an essential part of law enforcement. The judge commended the jury in their display of excellent judgment in handling the many different prob- lems which have been up for their consideration at this term of court. The judge closed his remarks with a fine eulogy on the grand jury sys- tem in general. Court openéd this morning at 9 o’clock and the case of the state vs. Tollef Peterson and Mike Shea was resumed. Tollef Peterson took the stand and was placed unde- cross-examinatian of County Attorr ney Funkley. Mike Shea also testi- fied in his own behalf and Sam Nel- testified. _—— New [G. N. Timecard. Commencing tommorrow, the Great Northern Railway will put in- to effect a new time card on the Grand Forks-Duluth passenger run. The train from the west, which has heretofore reached Bemidji at 12:30 p. m. will hereafter arrive in Bemidji at 12:05 p.m., leaving Grand Forks at 7:25 a. m. and Crookston at 8:25 a. m. The change will be a welcome one for the business men of Bemidji, who can get their mail from the west during the noon hour. The mail for the east-bound train will be closed at the postoffice at 11:30 a. m., half an hour before the departure of the train. Remember we are the only ones in the city that handle and deliver brick and bulk ice cream. We also serve it by the dish at our fountain. Stuart’s Confectionery. “With most sincere and . earnest.. son, a witness for the defense, also 2 | | | .,