Bemidji Daily Pioneer Newspaper, March 8, 1909, Page 1

VOLUME 6. NUMBER 274. BEMIDJI, MINNESOTA, MONDAY EVENING, MARCII 8, 1909. FORTY CENTS PER MONTH CASS LAKE TIMES BACKING UP IN THE NORMAL FIGHT Times Editor Squirms When His Rapidly-Waning Town Is Hit By a Few Truthful Statements.—Sounds Like a Despiaring Wail. The venerable editor of the Cass Lake Times has taken unto him- self much credit, through his own paper and the Duluth News-Tribune, for the fight which Cass Lake has been making to secure the location of the proposed sixth state normal school, and in so doing has never been well informed, at any time, of just what has been going on down at St. Paul, and also what some of his fellow townsmen have been doing. He recently insinuated, among other things, that the school should be located at Cass Lake because tbe location there would be more healthful than another place which he had in mind, mean- ing Bemidji. The Pioneer took up the matter of the “healthfulness” of Cass Lake, and we have shown, by figures taken from government reports, how the overflow from the government dams would be a con- stant cause for disease, should a school be located on or adjoining the banks of Cass Lake, with a swamp intervening along the shore to the main part of the lake. TheTimes man has been cornered at every turn in this fight,and heis not one who can ‘‘stand the gaff”” and come up smiling. In his last paper he prints a tirade on “‘yellow journal- ism,” etc., which smacks very much of a defeated, disgruntled individual who can only stand to one side and “make faces.” Among other things, Bro. Ives says: “As before indicated Cass Lake has endeavored to use all honorable means in the furtherance of her in- terests, and we have felt that should Cass Lake be unsuccessful in her attempts in securing the proposed normal school, that we should boost for our neighbor, Bemidji.” As to fairness, the writer was present at a meeting when the normal school measure was first broached at this session of the legis- lature, when every town that was a candidate for the school had a repre- sentative present, except Cass Lake, both P. H. McGarry and P.. M. Larson (the latter superintendent of the Cass Lake schools) refusing to meet with the gentlemen from Be- midji, Park Rapids, Thief River Falls, Red Lake Falls, Warren and Wadena, in a discussion of a com- promise measure where all could take equal chances for the school. McGarry and Larson stated em- phatically that they would have nothing to do with their neighbors from up north, except to participate in another meeting where they would assist in discussing thg needs of a normal school in northern Minne- sota. McGarry and Larson stated that/ Cass Lake already had enough votes| pledged to get the school and the rest of the aspirants could ‘“go it alone.” This independant action put Cass Lake on the defensive; and if the Times man and his neighbors over at Cass Lake can’t stand the strenu- ousness of the campaign, they should step aside and give McGarry full swing. “Mac” is doing very well for ‘them; and he doesn’t give forth any signs of being a “piker,” either, although he has fallen considerably short of claims which he first made. If Cass Lake had intended to be fair in this fight, why did the Hon. Dan Gunn deem it necessary to accompany the legislative junketing committee from St. Paul, when it was distinctly understood, between McGarry, Opsahl, Hinds and the writer, that no one in any way personally interested in the normal fight should accompany the com- mittee? Whydid E. L. Warren, who is prominent in Cass Lake’s fight, come over to Bemidji on the spec- ial train with the legislators and spend the night here attempting to sow seeds of discord, imn which effort he failed, utterly? Bemidji has ,stood by every promise made in this fight; and as for acting “honorably” the people of this city, including the Pioneer, have stood together and kept prom- ises to the letter. The Pioneer, more _than any other paper in this part of the state, has “boosted” for a normal school; and we have borne the burden of the Bemidji fight, as far as the news- papers of this city are concerned; and what is more, the assertions made regarding Cass - Lake and her overflowed shores, are such that we The facts of the matter are that Cass Lake is about as well fitted for the location of a normal school as the city of Pekin, China. With a forest reserve “Chinese wall” prac- tically surrounding the town, with no immediate prospect of opening the Indian land thereabouts; with a shore line that is constantly menaced with over-flow from the government reservoirs; with a population that is torn asunder the year around with internal strife; where insurance com- panies find it incumbent upon them- selves to send special agents to determine what incendiary is at- tempting to “‘collect his insurance with a kerosene can” (a favorite expression of one of Cass Lake’s most prominent workers); . where when the mills close down there will not be a baker’s dozen of inhabi- tants; where the principal effort is directed towards booming a bunch of unsold townsite lots that are rapidly depreciating in value; where every other business man is looking (Micawber-like) for “something to turn up” whereby he may dispose of his holdings (including the Times man)—such is Cass Lake, which holds out as the only proper location of a state normal school, or no school, as against six<other live, progressive communities which are surrounded by- a contented, home- building population that would do much to advance a normal school to the best of the six similar institu- tions of the great North Star state. If the editor of the Times is “lay- ing down” in the normal fight, he should do so more gracefully ‘than by attacking the standing of a sup- porter of the opposition which has told nothing but the truth concern- ing the town which was first con- ceived by a bunch of squatters on a government Indian reservation, who when ordered off as trespassers were allowed to purchase a portion of the land adjoining as a means of temporary relief; and the government and the state have had nothing but trouble ever since—the government on account of the fight put up for the opening of more land and the abolishing of the national forest reserve - about the town, and the state being called no later than a year ago to interfere in 2 village election, in order that peace might prevail and an honest ballot be cast and counted. So much for Cass Lake and its editor. If they are ‘'playing the game of politics,” let them take the consequence, and not yell like a lot of infants when the opposition tells the truth about their dead community and tears down the support gained by misrepresentation and wind-jamming. The Pioneer is loyal to Bemidiji; and in fighting for our home town we are not to be governed by ' the opinions or advice of a publication can prove to be true. in an admittedly hostile town. BEING TRIED ON A- CHARGE OF MURDER William Brown and Emil Danielson of Deer Riuer Givén Hearing at Grand R e STATE CLAIMS -THEY CAUSED THE DEATH OF JOHN JOHNSON —— Men Were All Drinking at Deer River Christmas Night.—Johnson’s Death Peculiar. A trial for murder in the third degree has been in progress at Grand Rapids since last Thursday which contains some peculiar features, with "possible results that will be very interesting. The ttial is the case of the State vs. Emil Danielson and William Biown, who are charged with -having caused the death of John Johnson at Deer River, last Christmas day. The hearing has' been conduced before = Magistraté Kearney, at Grand Rapids, and some interesting testimony has been brought out by the state, and it is expected that the state will conclude the hearing at latest tomorrow. . The trial resulted from the death of John Johnson at Deer River on Christmas day, and the two men accused of causing the death of Johnson were involved to a certain extent in the events which preceded the demise of Jokhnson. The three men were in a saloon at Deer River Christmas evening and according. to the evidence being given at ‘the hearing, Danielson started after Johnson for the pur- pose of taking abair of brass knuck- les from ‘the latter/ Johnson ran into a restaurant in the rear of the saloon, being followed by Danielson and Brown. Johnson continued his flight and ran into a washroom in the restaur- ant which ‘occupied a space lead- ing to the second story of the build- ing, it being claimed at the trial that the space alloted the washroom was in a dark portion of the first floor. Immediately after Johnson entered the washroom a sound was heard as of a body falling to the floor. Danielson and Brown follow- ed Johnson into the washroom. The flrst witness to arrive in the washroom found Johnson stretched on the floor, breathing hard, and unable to arise. - He was taken into L. Blooston’s J. A. Dalton’s E.N. French & Fred Brinkman’s Crane & Gould’ S Co.’s George & Gearlds’ E. G. Gearlds Markham Hotel W. A. McDonald’s W. T. Mageau’s J. E. Maloy & Co.’s ROYAL BANNER CIGARS On Sale Armstrong’s Cafe Barker’s Drug Store at the Following Places: W. G DISTRIBUTORS. F. A. Mayo’s ' - Chas. Nangle’s J. Peterson, Jr.’s Roe & Markusen’s S. T. Stewart’s A. L. Wyler’s NORTHERN GROCERY CO., Schroeder’s the restaurant, where he expired, in a few moments, s ~An autopsy was performed on the body of Johnson, by Dr. Russell of Grand Rapids, assisted by Drs. Fairall and Hanley of Deer River, the attorneys for the state and the defense being present. The surgeons were unable to find any cause for the sudden death of Johnson, from violence. -There were “{no fractures and the organs of the body were all'normal; and the de- ceased was pronouced in perfect health. The surgeons were appar- ently at loss to account for the death of Johnson, being as it was so sud- den. 2 It is stated that all three men, including the deceased Johnson, had been drinking considerable, and were more or less under the influence of liquor. C. L. Pratt of Grand Rapids, county attorney of Ttasca’ county, appears for the state in this case and George H. Spear is one of the attor- neys for the defendanfs. The outcome of the case will be watched with considerable interest because of the peculiar manner in which Johnson met death. SPEGIAL MEETING OF ELKS TONIGHT A special meeting of Bgmidii Lodge, No. 1052, B.P.0.E, will be held at Masonic hall this evening. All members should be present. Business of importance. INTEREST GONTINUES IN THE FARMERS' MEETINGS Mr. McLeran and W. R. Mackenzie Will Hold a Meeting in Bemidiji This Wednesday Evening. ““The farmers’ meetings which are being conducted by F. B.- McLeran, proprietor of the ‘“Mavle-Wood Farm” at Wrenshall, Minn., in west- ern Beltrami county:and eastern Clearwater county are being very well attended and great enthusiasm is being manifested in the meetings and the formation of the’ farmers’ clubs at the meetings,” says W. R. Mackenzie, who has accompanied Mr. McLeran on his trip through the two counties, and who spent Saturday night and part of Sunday in this city. Mr..MacKenzie stated that the meetings would be held every even- ing during this week, and ‘that Mr. | McLeran was~ greatly pleased with the attendance at the nieetiqgs and the interest shown by the farmers and their willingness to learn of ‘the advanced, up-to-date methods of farming on cut-over lands and " also as to the best methods of ' dairying. “We desire to hold a meeting in Bemidji Wednesday evening of this week, at which- Mr. McLeran will address the people of the city on the subject, \'What Can We Do to Better the Condition of Our Country Neighbors?” I desire to have the members of the Beltrami County Agricultural Society hold their meet- ing that same evening and elect officers for the ensuing. year,”, said Mr. Mackenzie. “There should be as large an attendance as possible,as Mr. McLeran is a splendid, fact- relating speaker who ~ can assist in doing much good for both the city and the farmer residents of Beltrami county. Every business.man of Be- midji should turn out and assist in making the meeting a success. ‘“Mr. McLeran will hold a meeting at the school house on the Buena Vista road; six miles north of Be- midji, Friday evening, and we desire a large attendance at that meeting, as many matters of great interest to the farmers will be discussed, and it is desirable to form .a strong or ganization of farmers that evening.” = \'i‘hmr.nnv Ker;i?:k of this city, who travels for a tajloring.company, went to St. Cloud this morning for a short I be found will not convene until tomorrow, be taken up and acted upen. - Three of Bemidji’s representatives who have been lobbying at St. Paul in the interest of the ‘“‘general” normal school bill, and who returned to the city last Saturday, are fairly well pleased with the situation as it exists at St. Paul. E. E. McDonald, a member of the says of the situation: “Two years ago there was a firm and considerable. opposition to an- other normal school which has now almost disappeared, it being con- ceded by a great majority of the members of the legislature that a normal school should be located in the northwestern portion of the state. *“1 have met. but. one- member of legislature who contended that Cass Lake is the best place for the loca- tion of a normal school. “In the senate'the supporters of Cass Lake are found among those men who are friendly to, or feel under obligation to, Senator Gunn. The only vote taken upon the subject was taken upon Senator Gunn’s motion to have the Cass Lake bill reported from the committee of, the whole to the senate with the recom- mendation that it pass. ~This motion was lost by a vote of twenty for rec- ommendation to.twenty-three against. The matter will be reached again probably tomorrow and- will be brought before the senate on motion to amend the Cass Lake bill substi- tuting the provisions of ‘the general bill, and while the vote will be close, we expect to carry this motion, and if we' do, the general bill will pass and the supporters of Cass Lake must either submit their chances of getting the normal to the State Normal School Board or take the The house is in session today. will be reached in the house Wednesday. and indications good for ‘‘general bill.” committee who returned Saturday, WILL CONSIDER NORMAL 'HOUSE BILLS WEDNESDAY Nothing Doing at St. Paul Today.—Senaté Will Possibly Act Tomorrow.—Returning Delegation Pleased With 3§ the Outlook for the General Bill. St. Paul, March 8.—12 M.—(Special to Pioneer.)—The senaie when the normal school bills may 1t is likely that the normal bills No new developments, A. P. Ritchie. position of opposition to any addi- tional normal school. “In the house the first actionon the matter was taken by the house normal school committee of thirteen members, one being absent. The vote stood six for Cass Lake and six for the general bill. After the junket, the -house committee, all being present, acted upon motion to recommend the Cass Lake bill for indefinite postponement. Twelye voted for indefinite postponement and one, Mr. McGarry,voted against it ~ “The committee reported out the general bill with the recommenda- tion that it do pass. McGarry succeeded in getting Representative Emmel and Representative Jorgen- son to join in a minority report,, “A vote was taken upon Lennon’s motion that the minority report be adopted. This motion carried by a vote of sixty to fifty-seven. Opsahl then moved that the majority report be adopted. - This was carried by a vote of sixty-one to fifty—six. “These bills will come before the house probably next Wednesday or Thursday, and we expect that the house, “It seems to be conceded that all the aspirants for the flace, the claims of Cass_Lake are the least meritorious, and as the members of the legislature become convinced of this they are gradually asking to be releived of their promisé to support Cass Lake. “Legislation is a process of giving and taking, and if the general bill is defeated it will be because, for one reason or another, we havé not been able to engage in as much of that class of work as the friendsof Cass Lake have engaged in.” Funeral Services Yesterday. Funeral services over the remains of the late Mrs. Olive Benson were conducted by Reverend Kolste, of the Norwegian Lntheran church, yesterday afternoon at the Benson home, 621 Bemidiji avenue. A large number of friends of the family attened the services and many beautiful floral tributes were offered in memory of the dead. The body of the deceased, accom- panied py her son, Elmer, and daughters, Bertha and Clara, was taken to Croo](ston on this morning’s early train where it was arranged to have services in the Norweigan Lutheaan church this morning, The: body will be buried in the family lot at Crookston, where Judge Benson was laid to rest eleven years ago. ? THERE’S should save his earnings, he saves “WHERE THERE’S A WILL " Tsanold and a very true sdying, and in nothing does it apply with more force than in the matter of saving money. Everyone what one earns but what wealth.” Start a savings The First National Bank A WAY?” some- part of. a8 it is mot that makes month ‘with WINNESOTS HISTERICAL] SOCIETY. general bill will be passed by the -