Bemidji Daily Pioneer Newspaper, April 24, 1908, Page 1

Bemidll, Flks' State Convention and 20. | Bemidji Bib! | ,u.u\su% S e “Conference Bemidil, 27--fug. 2 VOLUME 6. NUMBER 5. BEMIDJI, MINNESOTA, FRIDAY EVENING, APRIL 24, 1908. TIMELY SOAKING RAIN IS OF INESTIMABLE VALUE Extinguished Destructive Forest Fires Which Have Been Raging in North Central Minnesota.---Law Is Strict as to Forest Fires. A heavy shower which occurred about midnight last night, followed | by a soaking rain today, has entirely extinguished the heavy forest fires that have been sweeping through north central Minnesota during the past week, and saved many thous- ands of dollars’ worth of property, and danger to human lives. Last evening and well along into the night, the sky to the east and north of Bemidji was red with the glare of fire that was rapidly devour- ing much standing timber of great value, and as the wind bore towards the city, some apprehension was felt that the fire might reach the mills on the east side of the lake. But the rain came at an opportune time, and the blackened trail of the “‘de- stroying element” has been stopped. Akeley Not Burned. A report was circulated about the city today to the effect that the entire village of Akeley had been destroyed by forest fire. In order that the ' truth might be known concerning the report the Pioneer telephoned to C. F. Scheers, post- master at Akeley, who said in reply: “There is no truth whatevever in the report. There has been no real danger to the town, except when the Great Northern railway logging train brought in two burning cars of logs. Two thousand men were held in readiness to fight to save the town, but their services were not required.” Minor Losses. Nearly two million “feet of logs near Battle River, belonging to the Thief River Falls Lumber company, were destroyed yesterday evening by the forest fire which raged in that vicinity. Joe Irvine was in charge of the logs, which were valued at about $25,000. Harry Bowers, who lives near the city, fought off the fire for three days, before he finally diverted the flames from his buildings. Jens Christenson, a farmer living seven miles northwest of Bemidji, lost 150 cords of wood by fire yester day. The same reports have been re- ceived from nearly every timber locality throughout this section— fighting fires to save their property. Law on Forest Fires. While forest fires have been rag- ing on all sides of Bemidji, it might not be out of order to quote the law relative to fighting forest and prairie fires, and the provisions made in the statutes for the relief of just such situations. The law as it stands at present is as follows, relative to fire wardens, and who are fire wardens, and their duties: “1782. Stale forestry commis- sioner—Powers and duties—The supervisors of towns, mayors of cities, presidents of village councils are hereby constituted fire wardens for their respective districts. Upon request of the commissioner, county auditors shall immediately furnish the names and addresses of the chairmen of town boards, the names of towns, and the number and ranges of the townships in each. The commissioner may ap- point fire wardens for unorganized territory, and additional wardens temporarily, wherever he may deem it necessary; and he may direct any warden to perform duties out- side of his district. The wardens shall enforce the provisions of this chapter. They shall patrol their districts in dry seasons, and, with the approval of the commissioner, may employ patrols to guard against carlessness in use of fire. They shall promptly investigate each prairie and forest fire within their respective districts, and report the cause thereof, the property de- stroyed and its value, the lives lost, it any, the means used to combat such fire, and any additional facts required by the commissioner. They shall make such other reports as he may require, and comply promptly with his instructions. control therein. without a warrant, any person found violating any provision of this chapter, has make tion shall been committed, he similar complaint. pel assistance. one dollar and fifty cents per day. Unless for more than fifteen, and no em- any one year; but a warden shall receive compensation for use of a team when plowing for the control ofa fire. (’03 c. 363 ss. 6-8.)” A penal provision of the law for setting fires that get beyond control or being careless with fire, is as follows: *1787. Other penal provisions— Every warden or patrol, and every person lawfully commanded to assist in enforcing any of the provisions of this chapter, who shall unjusti- fiably refuse or neglect to perform his duty; every person who shall kindle a fire on or near to forest or prairie land and’ leave it un- quenched, or be a party thereto; than incombustible wads for fire- arms, or carry a naked torch, fire- brand, or exposed light in or near to forest land; and every person move any abstract posted under this chapter, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Any person who maliciously sets on fire, or causes to be set on fire, any woods, prairie or other combustible whereby the property of another is destroyed and lives are sacrificed, shall be punished with a fine not over five hundred dollars or be imprisoned in the state prison for a term not exceeding ten years, or both such fine and imprisonmen (°03 c. 363 ss.9-11.)” lubilee Singers Coming. The next attractien at the City Opera House will be the celebrated Slayton Tenneseeans, jubilee singers. This is the well known organization that has been on the road over twenty years and the managers an- nounce that they have secured better talent than ever before. Wm. Hu Mason is the musical director this year and will be remembered as the director of the original Fisk Jubilees at the time Miss Maggie Cole was the sensation of the musical world on account of the wonderful soprano voice she posessed. Miss Io Maude Browne, the lead- clared by Mr. Mason, and in fact by all who hear her, to be the finest colored singer of the present day. Other soloists of the company are Mr. Chas. Downs, a basso with a truly wonderful voice. Mr. Navarro, who has no equal as a robust tenor: Mrs. C. H. Downs, colorature con- tralto, and Miss Nelson, a remark- ably sweet mezzo-soprano," The program is made up of old plantation melodies and selections from the popular grand operas. This concert is to be given next Sattrday evening at the City Opera House. Local news on last page Fosston Will Play Bemidji Sunday The first baseball game of the season will be played at the down-tcwn ball park Sunday atternoon, when Manager Washburn announies the Fosston team will play against Bemidji. Last season the Fosston team defeated Bemidji, and was about the only organization An effort will be made Sunday to wipe out that defeat and that gave a defeat to the locals. give the visitors a beating. The line-up of the locals has not yet been fully determined but there are many good players in the city and a good game is assured. Play will be called promptly at 3:30 p. m. EQUIPMENT REGEIVED FOR MILITIA GOMPANY Twenty.one Cases Received, Contain- ing Uniforms, Guns, Canteens, Etc., for Soldiers. The new uniforms and equipment for. Company K, Bemidii’s new militia company, arrived in the city this morning and is being taken care of and stored by Captain Otto and other members of the company, and the members of the company will first time at the regular weekly drill Wednesday evening of next week. The equipment is contained in twenty-one cases and will be stored in a safe place until the basement of the city hall shall be repaired and renovated and placed in a proper condition for the reception of the paraphernalia contaiu;ed in the cases. The equipment consists of a blue uniform, with white piping, and caps, canteens, haversacks, etc., making a complete equipment as good as that given the regulars in the U. S. A. The guns which accompany the equipment for each man are the 1906 model Springfield rifle, the very latest make of government arm, Burroughs Will Vacate. The case of Thome & Mayer against Mrs. Laura Burroughs was called at 10 o’clock today, and as there was no appearance on the part of the defendant, there was stipula- tion made for judgment for restitu- tion of t-he property in favor of the plaintiff; writ not to be issued if building is vacated by 2 o’clock Monday, April 27th. Lumber for Sale. We have for sale lumber, lath and shingles, While they last we will sell shingles at $2.00, lathfat $1.25. Douglass Lumber Co. Each warden shall co-operate with | the warden in any adjoining dis- trict, and, in his absence, assume | Each may arrest, | 8 and take him before a|j magistrate, and there make com- K plaint; and, when a warden shall |§ have information that such viola- | Wardens shall go to the place of dan- | § ger to control or prevent fires, and | & in emergencies may employ or com- |§ Each warden shall | ¢ receive for actual service two dollars | @ per day, and each employe or patrol | j directed by the commis- | sioner, no warden shall be paid |} ploye for more than ten days in | every person who shall use other |8 who shall deface, destroy, or re-|§ material, | § ing soprano of the company, is de-|§ appear in official uniform for the and the most effective. Bemidji 1 price very low. Silk Gloves All our $2.50 Silk Gloves, colors black, white, tan navy and mode, a pair.......... " Ladies’ Skirts | 1| lot of H $4.50 and $5 Skirts, m ad e from fan= cy suit- ings, now} each i $2.98 Petticoats 8 1 lot of Petticoats, consisting of black siik finished garments and colored heather- blooms, each............ $l-19 Ladies’ Waists i Easter trade demoralized our waist stock; many numbers § have but a waist or two left. : t?{e bhave.placedt then; all on i the bargain counters at, f each... . .covvconiivaiiin i 980 Wash Goods Don’t fail to see the wash goods, There will bz 1000 i yards offered, worth from 19 25 to 50 cents, for......... C id Gloves - Our eniire stock of ladies light shades, \évorthlduptto $2.00 a pair, will palr. i $1.19 Children’s Hose 1 full case (60 dozen) chil- | dren’s fine cotton ribbed hose, the kind some stores as lOc 25c for, a pair......... ey After Easter Clean-up Friday morning we will commence to clean up all short lines of goods left from the Easter business. want to close it all out in a week and have made the $2.50 shoes for........ $1-59 SALE GOMMENGES FRIDAY MORNING AT 8 'GLOGK ‘Leary @ Bowser We Muslin Bargains Fruit and Lonsdale Mus~ lins,a yard............... 100 9-4 unbleached sheeting 94~ a yard 260 9-4 bleached sheeting, yard Table Cloth 1 lot of table damask, 35 to 50c quality, a yd.. 29c¢ Outing Flannel 1500 yards 12 and 13c outings, light and dark patterns, lOC ayard. ¢ Shoes 1 lot of boys’ $2 and | lot misses’ $2 and $2.50 shoes, a pair $l-50 shoss for, apair .. P28 Ladies’ Shoes Men’s Shoes The balance of our Doug- las and Burt and Packard stock, $3 to $5 quality for a pair $2.50 Nettleton’s $6. 00 stoes, a pair $4.95 Men’s Hats $1.50 hats, late styles but lines we wish to discon- 980 tinue. Choice for... Men’s Hose I Jot of men’s fine cotton hose, 25¢ and 35c¢ quali- ties, a pair...... ; Body of Man Burned in Fire Grand Rapids, April 23:—(Special to the Pioneer.)—The county auth- orities today exhumed the remains of Axel Homan, and in so doing discovered that to all appearances the skull of the dead man was frac- been murdered in a notorious ‘resort kept at Holman by one Verna Spaul- den, the motive for the deed being jealousy over one of the inmates of the place. The house in which the tragedy took place, was burned to the ground on the night of the mur- der, and it is the theory of the state that the fire was set in order to ob- literate all traces of the crime com- mitted. The fire occured a week ago last Monday morning. The building and contents were a total loss, and the several persons in the structure at the time, the deceased excepted, were able tomake their escape. A coroner’s inquest was held the next day, a representative of the county attorney being present at the time. It was not then discovered that the dead man’s skull was fractured, nor was any care taken to preserve any part of the remains. On the con- clusion of the coroner’s inquest Wil- liam Lynch was arrested and taken to Grand Rapids, and a date set for a preliminary examination, the charge against Lynch being mur- der. On the examination the prosecu- tion was forced to dismiss on the ground that it had been impossible to obtain sufficient evidence to con- nect Lynch with the ,crime. The prisoner was a brakeman employed by the Oliver Iron Mining company at Holman, and was steady, indus- trious and of good reputation. He MURDER SUSPECTED OVER DEATH AT GRAND RAPIDS Exhumed and Inspected on Suspicion that Murder Had Been Committed.--- Investigation Is Now On. was represented on the hearing by George H. Spear, and it was at the hearing for the first time statements were publically' made with reference to the fractured skull of the dead man. The defense charged that the tured. Homan is supposed to have | deceased was killed by a blow before the fire was started, and that the state had neither discovered the existence of the fracture in the skull of the dead man, nor did it know at the time of the examination where the remains had been disposed of. The inquest was conducted by Deputy Coroner Peterson of Coler- aine, but Dr. Russell, the county coroner, acting under direction of County Attorney Thwing, himself superintended the digging up of the body today. The fracture of Homan’s skull might have been caused by some of the falling timber of the house when the building burned, but this idea is scouted by those who saw the fire, and observed the location of the corpse. The house was of light frame and tar paper construction, and_when found the body was some- what protected by an iron bed near which it lay. Had the hole in the dead man’s head been found at the time the first investigation was made by the county attorney’s office and the in- quest was held, in would probably have made considerable difference with the prosecution. There are now four of the inmates of the house being held at the county jail, though as yet no charge has been made against any one of the four. These include the proprietress of the place, and three girls, ~named - ‘Maude Brown, Marga McDonna and Eva Mueller. _—— HIGH SCHOOL POSSESSES FINE LOT OF PIGTURES Pictures Have Been Framed and Will Be Distributed in the Various Rooms. The Bemidji schools now own one of the best collections of pictures and copies of works of art of any school in the state. The pictures were received yes- terday from Minneapolis, where they had been sent for framing, main halls of the Central school. For the benefit of tbe public they will remain there during next week, before being distributed among the different rooms. The collection was secured last year through the efforts of Superin- tendent Ritchie, the teachers and the pupils. The proceeds of the § | Turner Art Exhibit last year,twenty- five dollars donated by the High % | School Athletic Association, and contributions ‘from the pupils made up the $200 which the pictures cost. One hundred dollars was raised for the frames a few weeks ago by rendering the delightful operetta, “Florinda,” under the able direction of Miss Oliver. In all, the collec- tion cost about $300 and is certainly one to be proud of. The series comprise hand-tinted photographs; Copley and platino prints, etchings, engravings, photo- graveures; and many other copies of noted works of art, numbering about forty-five in all. The following are some of the principal copies on exhibition: “The Sistine Madona” by Raphael and the “Madona” by Bodehausen; “The Dance of the Nymphs,” and “The Lake,” by Carot; “Sir Gala- had,” by Watts; Reni’s “The Aurora;” “The Cherubs’ Choir,” by Reynolds; “Saved,” by Landseer; “The Shep- herdess,” by Lerolle; ‘“Pilgrim ‘Exiles,” and “The Return of the and are now on exhibition in the |~ Mayflower,” by Boughton; “Christ and the Doctors,” by Hoffman; “Shoeing the Bay Mare,” Landseer; “Washington Crossing the Dele- ware,” and two ‘magnificent photo- grashs of “The Colisseum,” and “The Forum” at Rome. ¥ Come Out Tonight. Wills & Barron played last night to a crowded house at the Brink- man Family Theatre. Everyone went home well satisfied with the evening’s entertainment. Wills & Barron style themselves “‘comedy boomers,” and prove their right to the name. One laugh a minute greeted their ridiculous performance. GEO. W. WILLS AND GRACE BARRON. Don’t fail to see them to night, if you do, you are missing a treat. They have sprung upon the pub- lic an act that for eccentric songs and comicalities has never been duplicated at this popular little play house. Mr. Wills is a * thorough comedian, and his panto- mine is very amusing. They will give the audience something tonight that will be unique in the line of vaudeville. z Entire changé of pictures tonight. Additional local matter will be found on fourth page.