Bemidji Daily Pioneer Newspaper, December 29, 1908, Page 1

MINNESOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY. VOLUME 6. NUMBER 216. NEW SWITCHBOARD IS NOW INSTALLED FOR "PHONES Western Electric Company, by Installation of New Board, Has Added Greatly to the Permanent Efficiency of the Local Telephone Exchange. On December 21, the installation of a new switchboard in the Bemidji exchange of the Northwestern Tele- phone Exchange company was com- pleted. The work has been under the supervision of experts in the employ of the Western Electric com- pany from whose, factories the new switchboard and appliances are products. Upon invitation of Manager A. E. Harris, several persons witnessed the final connections to the switch- board. This work having inter- ferred somewhere with the calls of subscribers the connections were made after midnight, when calls are received less frequently than at any other time. The explanatiog of telephony as given by Manager Harris and the examination of the various appli- ances proved very interesting to the few invited guests, for to. those persons whose knowledge of tele- phony is limited to the simplicity with which an exchange operator can be called, by simply ringing the bell, an examination of a cen- tral office switchboard and its appliances is interesting. The in- tricacies of its arrangement are amazing and whiie quite beyond the understanding of the ordinary man, is after observation as simple as A. B. C. Watching operators re- ceiving and sending calls alone proved interesting. The quiet un- assuring way in which these duties were carried out, devoid of the un- necessary of mnoise or bustle usually attending upon haste, impressed one with the fact that here was an invention that would seem to have been perfected to the highest pos- sible degree. At any rate none of those present -were heard suggest- ing improvements. Perhaps the most interesting operation witnessed was the cutting out of the wires from the old switch- board and connecting them up with the new equipment that has just been installed. It was then that opinions were expressed as to the length of time that would be re- quired to do this particular job. The opinions were many and varied; but sadly inaccurate, with accent on the in. The lowest estimate made was one hour. In reality the performance of the work required but a few minutes. However it may be said that all estimates appeared conservative What Changed the Old Town's Name? Mr. Brown of SLEEPYTOWN, He wouldn’t advertise; 8o along came Mr. Strong And took him by surprise. Mr. §., as you may guess, ‘Was strictly up to date; Knew the game and played the same At early hours and late. Strong is still in WAKEFULVILLE, The merchant of the town; no longer necessary. when made. When one saw the countless wires to be changed over, thousands it seemed, one would be apt to inquire if the following night wouldn’t be the proper time to see the completion of the work. But the inquiry would be stopped at the lips when the experts employed by the electrical company got busy in making the shift. The ease and rapidity with which they performed their work was astonishing. There was a place for every man, and every man was in his place. Each man had a certain work to perform and that work was performed by a man assigned to do it. Everything went off with thd regularity of a smooth-running machine, being operated at ‘top notch speed. When the final connection was made Man- ager Harris was complimented on having one of the finest equipped exchanges in the state. Subscribers are noting with satis- faction the superiority of the new service. A general improvement is in evidence all around. Calls are being answered more promptly, and delay in getting a desired number has been reduced to a minimum and the new arrange- ment is working as smoothly as could be desired. The installation of the new equip- ment in the exchange of the North- western Telephone Exchange com- pany is the result of the growing demand on the part of the public for more extended facilities. The old equipment was found entirely inadequate to properly handle the constantly increasing demands being made upon it. With the new switch- board, however, it will not only be possible to satisfy present demands, but the estimated requirements for several years to come. With Bemidji growing as it is, a telephone service at a high order of excellence was essential. The commercial growth of any cummunity irrespective of size, is hampered to a degree that cannot be over-esti- mated if telephone service is not at hand. This is a fact that is demon- strated and emphasized every day. It is essential to all, not only to the millionaire of many business interests but to the farmer as well. The far- mer as well. The farmer has been slow to recognize this fact up to within a comparatively short time. But it is becoming apparent to him that it is not an EXPENSE as he has hitherto believed, buta SAVING, perhaps of a life in illness, perhaps help, when flood or fire comes or something else. Situated as he is in thinly settled regions, before the advent of the telephone, communication by the farmer with the.city or town often meant a ride or drive often of many miles in a great majority of cases. Since he has appreciated the bene- fits a telephone brings, however, journeys which were a great source of annoyance and inconvenience are Friends and business acquaintances miles away are brought within speaking dis- tance in a flash, The great benefits of a telephone to the farming community may be placed under three headings, each heading in itself covering numberless other reasons, namely: (1) Itis one of the greatest time savers ever invented. (2) Modern business methods would become antique without its use. (3) Itenlivens social intercourse and makes neighbors of and cements friendship between families living miles apart: A farmer with a ’phone does not have to go to the nearest market to find the price of various agricultural products. - Neither is it necessary for him to blindly send his pro- He adyerties and still surprises Such chaps as Mr, Brown. ducts to market only to. gpq_ prices at a low level. Reasons too ntimer: ous to mention could be given show- ing what an .invaluable assistant the telephone is to the farmer in a business way. 5 To the town or small city the telephone has become almost as necessary to their welfare as the lighting supply and water supply. To many the formeris as important as the other two. No city or town can prosper and grow without all three. E Today, even in cities of four or five thousand inhabitants, the candy store, plumber’s shops, restaurant and even tobacco store that is witnout a telephone is not considered an up-to-date establishment. Of course all establishments that make any pret_eetions towards monopo- lizing its particular line of business in any small city or town hasa number of ’phones sufficient to meet all’ requirements. But business and duties require that they be away from home during the day are hav- ing telephones installed in their resi- dences. This increased demand for house telephone service is found particularly amongst men of limited means. The cost for such service has been ieduced to a minimum and they now find it desirableto bave a service in the home as well as in the office. To the housewife it is a friend that does not -fail. The inconveni- ence of marketing and shopping is done away with. To her as well as the farmer’s wife it is an all around necessity as well as an aid to social enlivenment. The new equipment in the Bemidji exchange is up-to-date in every detail. All the most modern switch- board improvements are incorpor- ated in it. Our local telephone ser- vice is unsurpassed in any part of the state. Modern Samarian Officers. . The following is the list of officers of the Bemidji Lodge of Modern Samaritans, which were elected at the last meeting of the lodge: Lady Good Samaritan, Mrs. Dan- aher; Vice G. 'S., J. Bisiar; Scribe, Miss Martha Huntosh; Fin. Scribe, Mr. Andrew Larson; Treasurer, Mr. Fenton; High Priestess, Mrs. Peart; Levit, Miss Bertha Benson; Chief Messenger, Mrs. Tulfern; Junior Messenger, Mrs. Bertha Schmidt; Centurian, Mrs. Mary J. Kaelble; Watchman, Peter Diciar. Auction 300 Horses. Grand Opening Auction Tues. Jan. 5, 09. Commencing 10:30 at New Sale Pavillion South St. Paul Horse Exchange, Loggers, Farm Horses and Mares. Horses of all kiod. If you want one horse or car load attend this great auction. Every animal must sell to highest bidder, nothing reserved. Union Stock Yards, So. St. Paul, Minn. Auction svery Tuesday. Auctioneer —Baird. professional men, and men whose BEMIDJI, mNNESOTA, TUESDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 29, 1908. SICILY CENTER OF DISTURBANCE Southern - Ialy Visited by Severe Earthquake. MANY TOWNS AFFECTED ¢ People Everywhere Thrown Inte Greatest Excitement and Aggregate Loss of Life Is Not Yet Known. Tidal Wave Occurs at Catania as Result of Shock .and 8hipping Is Badly Damaged. St. Paul, Dec. 29.—(Special to Bemidji Pioneer.)—The latest esti- mate places the loss of life in the earthquake in Sicily and three pro- vidences of southern Italy at from sixty to seventy-five thousand: Twenty-one towns are known to have been - practically destroyed, though reports as to the number of dead from many of these towns is still vague. ¥ Messina, capitol of the province of the same name in Sicily is the worst sufferer. At the lowest esti- mate, casualities there are twelve thousand. Fire followed the earthquake and the town was practically destroyed. 'Reggio, a town eight miles from Messina, is also in ruins, and the loss of life there is probably as great as at Messina. P Rome, Dec. 29.—Southern Italy was visited by a serious and fatal earth- quake. The center of the disturbance was in Sicily and the greatest loss ot “Iife and property occurred-on that island. The reports are as yet in complete, but the people everywhere were thrown into'a condition of paniec. At Caltanissetta, a Sicilian town of 80,000 people; a number of houses were shaken down and the inhabitants fled for safety to the streets. Vast crowds gathered in the parks and the churches are filled. At Minao, a smail town 100 miles southwest of Catania, several houses collapsed and the scenes of panic were repeated. At Catania the docks and shore front were overwhelmed by a tidal wave that rolled in from the sea. Much damage was done to the ship- ping. Details are lacking, but it is known that several steamers were damaged. At Catania the shocks last- ed for twenty seconds. At Agosta, in the province of Syra- cuse, two churches and several houses were demolished, but no lives were lost. The prisoners in the local jail made their escape and dashed through the praying crowds on the streets for liberty. The troops were called out and™quiet was restored. There were shocks also at Lindua Glossa, Santa Saverina and Noto, all in Sicily. The latest reports from Calabria say that three dead and sixty wounded persons have been removed from the ruins of Stefanconi. Soldiers have been called in to carry on the work of succor. ‘The troops have been or- dered “also to tear ‘down damagel buildings in order to minimize the danger from falling walls, Sixty persons are said to have sus- tained injuries at San Nofrlo and tha population is camping out in the open alr. The troops everywhere are en- gaged in the work of rescue. At Palmi many houses were shaken to the ground and it is sald there. were many victims. “‘Sent Up” For Contempt. Janson Carter of Tenstrike has been committed to the Beltrami county jail by Judge Stanton for ten days on the charge of contempt of court. P, Carter’s wife secured a divorce in October and he was ordered by the court to pay the attorney’s fees of $25 and $5 a week toward the sup- port of the three children. Carter paid a part of the money due and then claimed that he had no more and stopped payments. Carter appeared before Judge Stantoh in a balf-intoxicated con- dition and the judge finally decided that ten days in the county “bastile” would give him time for a litile re- flection. Marriage License. ‘A marriage license was granted yesterday by Clerk of Court Rhoda to Ernest Bansmer and Marion Johanna Finsand. “GOLD AT TENSTRIKE!" IS A STARTLING RUMOR An Old-Time Alaskan Prospector Is Said to Have Found Some ° Gold Quariz. “There is gold at Tenstrike,”is the latest startling announcement con- cerning the mining possibilities of northern Minnesota, “There will always be wars and rumors of wars, and there will al- ways be gold finds and rumors of gold finds. The people of this state are up against the latter rumor now. It has been reported that a pros- pector brought in $7 worth of the finest gold, claiming he had made a “strike” near Tenstrike, a village fifteen miles distant from Bemidji. As may be imagined, this assumed *'find” has created a furore in this neck of the woods, and much inter- est on the part of the business men has been aroused. Whether there is anything in the report, or whether it is a canard, has been vertified beyond a doubt. It is to be hoped, however, that it is true, as it would mean much to this section of Minnesota and espe- cially Beltrami county. Gold is about the only mineral which Minnesota has not produced, and it is in the pale of possibilities that this report may be true. Local News on Last Page. X us LEAGLE PENCIL €O.NEW The “Eagle Russet” Fountain Pen The Best Dollar Fountain Pen on the Market The Pen is always ready for use and may be carried ‘in any ‘position without danger of leakage Ask for Russet Founté.in Pens at The Pioneer Office | last FORTY CENTS PER MONTH CITY PREPARING TO CARE -FOR ITS OWN POOR FOLKS Council Appoints Dr. Blakeslee City Physician, Under Temporary Arrangements.—Alderman E. J. Gould Will Pass on Condit “Four-fifths of the county poor come from Bemidji. 1| advised the township system and | understand several people voted -against this system of caring for the poor because ‘Doc’ llakgln was county physician. 1 do not want to be county physician and 1 don’t care for i Dr. Blakeslee, to the city council, last evening. % " The City of Bemidji, in accord- ance with the township system of caring for the poor which was adopted- at the general election in November, will care for its own poor | after January 1, as decided at the meeting of the city council last even- ing. The poor committee, which was appointed at a previous meeting, made their report. J. M. Phillippi, superintendent of the poor farm, and Dr. Blakeslee, dounty physician, were present and Dr. Blakeslee stated that there are nine people in the county poor house from Bemidji, Most of them are suffering with some disease. Mr. Blakeslee said that Long, a pauper who is now a resident of the county poor house, came from Nevada and that if he had a ticket, the man would be willing to return to friends in Ne- vada. He advised, asa matter of economy, the purchase of a railroad ticket for this paaper. Dr. Blakeslee continued his re- marks and said that many lumber- jacks came in from the north and the country surroundirg in a condi- tion of breaking down with diph- theria ' and smallpox and it was necessary for the city to care for| these cases, as the city would be liable to severe punishment from the state if the municipal authorities shipped them out, after finding them ailing with contagious diseases. According to Dr. Blakeslee the council would find it necessary to erect a building ‘for the poor with seperate rooms for diphtheria, small- pox and for the consumptive case which is now at the poor farm. The council adopted a motion authorizing the making of a contract with Superintendent Phillippi to care for the city’s poor until January 31, when Mr. Phillippi’s contract with the county expires. ion of “Indigents.” Mr. Phillippi stated that he would conclude his contract with - the county January 31. 1909, and that he did not care to remain any_longer. He requested instructions as to what disposition he should make of the city’s official poor. Mr. Blakeslee informed the council that the common carrier: which brings a poor individual into the city is liable for the expense in- curred in the caring therefor, and he advised the council to authorize the city attorney to get information a- long this line. The doctor also in- terjected the opinion that caring for the city’s poor would involve an ex- penditure of at least $5,000 durinfi the coming year. Alderman E.J. Gould was ap- pointed to act as inquisitor for the city in ascertaining whether any in- dividual should be sent to the city poor house. The council decided to advertise for bids for county physician who will serve from the time he is selected until March 1, and author- izing the employment of Dr. Blakes- lee as city physician at $5 per day until such official physician is desig- nated by action on the bids. The report of City Engineer Stoner was submitted and adopted. (This report will be printed in to- morrow’s issue of the Pioneer.) The mnnicipal court report shows $19 paid into the treasury. Dudley & Mahon’s application for liquor license was granted. The liquor licence application of Charles Swedback was granted dis- pite the protest made by Attorney A. A. Andrews, who represented several citizens who have business interests near the location of Mr. Swedback’s saloon. A motion was carried that the certified check of the Chicago Bridge & Iron company, which was submitted in accordance with the bids for the construction of the city waterworks, a few months ago, be returned to them. The council then adjourned. “THE DEVIL” WILL BE IN TOWN NEW YEAR'S NIGHT Frnest Fisher and His Splendid Com- pany Will Present This Most Noted Play. Devilgrams from the story of “Devil.” He who spurns the good things of life has not lived. There is only one true woman—the other fellow’s wife. Here's the key to life—love yourself. David Belasco’s prodcction of “The Devil” is still receiving the unbateéd interest of theatergoers in New York, and the road companies have been playing to crowded houses in all the large cities of the country. The effect of the play is not al together pleasant, it is almost too brutal a realization of the wish to “see oursels as ithers see us,” and human nature has many impulses and weaknesses that will not stand analysis. The play has been the talk of the country for tne past year, and the subject of critical comment on theartical writers, but a large portion of the theatergoing public is still waiting eagerly for an opportunity to form their own opinion of this un” usual and fasinating production. The rights to the authorized ver- sion of this play have been secured by Mr. Ernest Fisher, and it will be produced by his able company at the City Opera House, on New the Swedish Ladies Will Meet. - The Ladies’ Aid society of the Swedish Lutheran church will meet at 2:30 o’clock Wednesday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Cornwall, 1121 Bemidji avenue. An Inkling About Printers’ You can’t imagine what surprises Await the man who ADVERTISES, And while they may not be foreseeabls These great surprises are agreeable. Just take the hint and help your busl- ness. 2 At first the rush may give you dizzi- ness, But you'll recover .in a twinkling Year’s night, Friday, Jan. 1, 1909. local matter will be found Additional And take some more of Printers’ Ink- ling. { Ve Try Pionee A A 0T 10 A SN 038 b £