Bemidji Daily Pioneer Newspaper, October 14, 1910, Page 1

———— et B o 1 SECIETY, BEMIDJI, MINNESOTA, FRIDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 14, 1910. TEN CENTS PER WEEK. BLAMES POOR ROADS |STONER TO FURNISH FOR DEATHS IN FIRE W. R. Mackenzie, in St. Paul Interview, Declares Policy of State is Criminal BELIEVES DEATH LIST WILL GROW Figures That Searching Parties Will Yet Find That Many Persons Were Cremated. The following is taken from the St. Paul Pioneer Press: W. R. Mackenzie secretary of the Northern Minnesota Development company, arrived in St. Paul yes- from Baudette, Minn., which was destroyed by the forest fires early in the week. Mr. in Bemidji was on the first relief train that made its way through the burning bush into Baudette. He pictures vividly the scene of the smoking ruins of the town and panic-stricken settlers terday morning Mackenzie lives and who took refuge in International Falls, Minn. Mr. Mackenzie is inclined to think that the Jeath iist will be greater than J. H. Beek intimated in his tele- Mr. Beek, who went to Baudette on the Twin City gram of yesterday. relief train, which also bore the Gov- ernor, said he did not think the dead would number more than 50. On this point Mr. Mackenzie said: “To those who are familiar with the country and the conditions .in Beltrami county, it seems that the loss of life was great. We base this estimate on the fact that in all proba- bility the fire burned over the Rapid River country, which is fairly well settled. The very fact that so few injured have made their way to Bau- dette and International Falls in- dicates that the loss of life must bave been large. It would seem that after five days people would be- gin reporting to the towns. The fire swept over a country not less than fifty miles long and at least ten or fifteen miles wide.” Mr. Mackenzie declares that the state laws were responsible to a great extent for the great loss by fires, through the absence of roads in that part of the state. ‘‘The state,” he said’ "‘is the largest land owner in that part of the country, and settlers cannot build roads through.” ¢The charred remains of women “and innocent children which lie unburied today, are mute protest against the state to allow such conditions to exist. The legis- lature should amend our laws. The millions of money now in the school fund has been accumu- lated largely by the sale ot North- ern Minnesota lands which were given to this state with the pro- viso that money received for their sale should be used in their im- provement. No improvement has been made. “The Hinckley fire should have taught the people their duty. Will they learn their lesson now or wait another catastrophe? “Aid of all kinds should be held subject to orders of whosoever Governor Eberhart shall designate. At least $150,000.00 cash is needed, and I have no doubt the people will respond liberally. The Duluth Commercial club last evening pledged $20,000 to be raised in Duluth, while Eveleth, Virginia and other range cities have reported in money already collected from $500 to $1,000 each.” LIGHT FOR BRAINERD Council, After Six Months Wrangling Decide to Accept Offer Made by Bemidji Man. At a recent special meeting of the Brainerd common council. which was called by the mayor of that city for securing power for electric motors and lighting purposes, the contract was awarded to M. D. Stoner of Be- midji. Mr. Stoner had made the city of Brainerd a proposition for power and light some time ago, but his propo- sition was turned down and one that was costlier to the city was approved. Mayor A. Oustahl submitted the following to the council at this special meeting last night: Braiverd, Minn., Oct. 10, 1910. To the Honorable City Council: Gentlemen:— Acting on the suggestion of the Editor of the Daily Dispatch, I have called this special meeting in hopes that you may take some definite steps toward securing power for elec- tric motors and lighting purposes. Owing to the fact that the N. P. Ry. Co. may not furnish us with cur- rent after Nov. 1st, it behooves you to take immediate action. I would suggest that you proceed to install a temporary steam plant, such as suggested by Mr. R. B. Smart in the minority report submit- ted to you at your last meeting. In . order.to..expedite .matters .1 | have secured Mr. E. Marshall of the Toltz Enginéeering Co., of St. Paul, who is bere with us tonight. He will submit to you an estimate as to cost, etc., required to install and equip the Parker power house ready for service. I undertand that this work or station can be ‘made ready for service in about two weeks’ time with an expense of about $2700.00. With this station in operation we will be able to provide curreut for the city, except for a few hours in the evening, during the so-.called peak load, and I am credibly informed that this will be taken care of by the N. P. Ry Co. until such time as the city can make permanent arrange- ments. If necessary the Parker power hoase can at a nominal cost be so equipped that it will supply all the current required by the city. In either case it will mean a saving to the city of from g500.00 to $800.00 per month over and above the present rate now paid N. P. Ry. Co. In hopes that you will act upon these suggestions, I remain, Yours repectfully, A. Ousdahl, Mayor, On motion the commuuication was accepted. Alderman Zakariasen introduced the resolution for the adoption of the Stoner contract, the contract to be published in the papers and copies to be sent to the Water & Light Board as well as all the aldermen and the mayor. Nearly six months time has elapsed since Mr. Stoner’s proposition was first made and during this time many discussions, opinions, argu- ments and contentions were made and the proposition was adopted by the decisive vote of seven to two. Mr. Stoner feels highly elated over his success in securing this contract. Card of Thanks. I desire to especially thank the lo! cal lodge of the Fraternal Order of Eagles for their kind assistance dur- ing the illness of E. H. Munhall. Mrs. E. H. Munhall. ALL SALOONS MUST GLOSE, SAYS JOHNSON Declares He Has Received no Modifying Order From Secretary of the Interior Ballinger DEFIES CASS LAKE’S WAR THREAT Will Proceed to Execute Original Man- date, the Time Limit of Which is Now up. The lid goes on the Indian treaty belt Saturday unmodified. W. E. Johnson, agent of the Indian bureau, U. S. department of the in- terior, declared in Minneapolis that he would proceed to the enforcement of the original order, closing saloons in forty cities and villages in Becker, Cass, Clay, Hubbard, Mahnomen and Norman counties. ] “‘Pussy-Foot” Johnson ‘arrived | in Minneapolis Thursday from: California. He denied knowledge: of any modification of the lid order’ by the department of the interior. He will take personal charge of the enforcement. «I have not received orders not to close the saloons,” he said, “and I shall see that they are closed. | know 'nothing of any such modification order as Secre- tary Ballinger is said to have issued.” My duty is to close the saloons there, .jn spite of rthe "threats of civil war, and taking up| of arms against the government. “My methods—I « have my in- structionsand shall follow them but I can say nothing as to what these in- structions are except that the closing of the saloons is the main object.” *'People must judge of;my instruct- ions by my actions, and there will be plenty of actions to judge by be- fore long.” BROTHERHOOD OF DAVID HAS BEEN RE-ORGANIZED The local Brotherhood of David will re-organize itself to-morrow night at the home of Mr. and Mrs. F. Head Cor. 12th St. and Park Ave. The meeting, which will be called at 3 o’clock sharp, is one of greatest importance. Every member is re- quested to come and bring something for the evening’s entertainment, By order of the chairman of the com- mitte. Brinkman to Give Proceeds. Manager Fred Brinkman comes to the front in giving aid to the fire sufferers at Spooner and Baudette. The entire proceeds of next Satur- day afternoon’s matinee at the Brink- man Family Theatre will be given to the sufferers in the fire region. The citizens will surely appreciate this good effort and if they can in no other way aid to this cause they can at least attend the show Satur- day afternoon. Case is Closed. St. Paul, Oct.13.—The Union Pa- cific merger hearing commenced in the United States circuit court here last Monday, was brought to a close this afternoon when Frank B. Kellogg completed his closing ar- guments for the governmens. Form- er United States Senator Judge C. Spooner presented the closing ar- guments for the railroads yesterday. It is expected that a decree of the court will be that the case will be taken to the supreme court of the United States. HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ATHELETIC BENEFIT To-night at the High School Building Splendid Program has Been Arranged Tonight at the High School Audi- torium a musical and dramatic pro- gram will be rendered for the bene- fit of high schoolatheletics. This movement should receive the hearty support of the citizens of Bemidji. The program will commence promptly at:8 o’clock and students of the school will be assisted by Mrs. C. R. ‘Sanborn, Charles Cum- mer and Andrew Rood. Everything possible is being done to place the High School Athletic Association on a sound financial basis and the attendance, tonight should ‘pack the auditorium to its doors. The program promises to be a rare musical treat and the success of this one depends largely upon {future enteftainments of this nature, On page five ‘of tfiis 1ssue will be found the program' complete, —_—_— BOOSTING BAILEY FOR NEXT SHERIFF Thnmasfl’-'Bailey's candidacy for sheriff is meeting with the approval of nearly every section of Beltrami County. The Blackduck American in- sb;lkihg of Mr. Bailey said— ¢Thos. Bailey, Beltrami coun- ty’s. weil'knmown ex-stieriff; was _an Americancaller during the week. Mr. Bailey informs us that he is a candidate for sheriff and places his announcement in another column, He will go on the ballot at the general election asan inde- pendent candidate, Mr, Bailey served as sheriff for several years and is known to nearly every voter in the county. His many years of experience as a “bunter for crimnals” tends to fit him for the office to which he again aspires and should he be successful at the polls the public may feel as- sured that the affairs of the sherifi’s office will be administered in the in- terests of the public at large. Tuesday Last Day For Filing. On Tuesday next, Oct. 18, the third Tuesday before the general election, will be the last day upon which candidates can file for the general election. There has been talk of independent candidates, so if they “‘get in” it will be necessary for them to have their petitions in by that date, and all other candidates will have to qualify properly. The election falls on Nov. 8 this year, when the voters will have their final say as ta who shall serve them the next two years. Melba at Duluth. Duluth, Minn., Oct. 14—The first Melba concert was given here last, night and nothing could surpass the success with which the famous prima donna sustained her reputation. She was in magnificent voice, and thrilled the vast throng in the audi- torium with her wonderful sweetness and range. She isat the height of her career as a singer. William Ross, a member of the firm of Ross & Ross of Gemmell, came in from Minneapolis last night and spent the night in Be- midji. W. D. O’Shea of Minneapolis, the bridge contractor who is constructing the bridge at the dam, arrived in the city yesterday and will remain here for several days. { TYPHOID ADDS TERRORS TO FIRE; BEMIDJI BOYS HEROES Mayor Clark Declares Danger of Epidemic is Great and Stringent Methods are Adopted and Dangerous Patients are Being Segregated. BERG’S BANK VAULT OPENED; $25,000 FOUND SAFE Ten Tons of Hard Coal in Basement Still Burns But Valuables Stored in Safe are Removed—Plumes On Woman’s Hat Browned. FIRE SUCTION WRINGS BABE FROM MOTHERS ARMS On the ruins of Baudette and Spooner, October Eberhart, who has personally been conducting the relief work, believes he can no longer be of use here and has left for St. Paul by specialtrain, arriving there on friday evening. As the fires surrounding this flame-eaten, ember-strewn stretch of desolation die down, quieting fears from that danger, death’s hand ap- pears hourly more menacing in the form of a typhoid fever scourge, which threatens to claim a greater toll of human lives than did the blighting blast which sprang from the forest 2 week ago, ending the existence of Baudette and Spooner, after having fed its hungry tongues with - thirty-five, men womeén and children. 5 Thebokrors,of the fies are being replaced by terrors of . typhoid, ‘and Major Clark, senior surgeon of the Minnesota National Guard, and fa. mous because of his success in pre- venting aspread of disease at Chicka- mauga in 1898, has issued the most stringent orders regarding the sani- tation of these two places. “The danger of an epidemic is great,,” said Dr. Clark, who at once took charge of health measures up- on his arrival with Governor Eber- hart, on Wednesday. “‘We already have twenty cases of typhoid. The situation is so alarm- ing that I had every house disinfect- ed and a carload of chloride of lime has been used to the best advantage. “We have segregated all typhoid patients and will continue to do so. All water used by the soldiers must be boiled and we try to enforce this rule with civilians.” Forty militiamen of Company K from Bemidji, under command of Captain Otto, are heroes of the occasion. It was the privilege of the first squad of Bemidji militiamen to give the first aid to the stricken people, and in the face of so many dangers and ghastly sights they did their work fearlessly and with a courage never surpassed. It was Sergeant J. T. Davis who discovered the frightfully burned body of Kate Jasmack, Albert Berg’s housekeeper. The woman, armed with a butcher knife, fought off all persons who attempted to rescue her when the flames were licking up nearby houses. Sergeant Davis found the woman’s body in the cist- ern of the Berg home, a fine modern residence in Spooner. Her flesh was cooked to a crisp and her hands and feet were burned completely oft. Mr. Berg, prominent in Bemidji because of his recent political con- test with Senator Hanson, was a heavy loser. In addition to the burning of his home and all its con- tents, and other residence and busi- ness property,his bank,known as the Security State, was levelled to the ground. Ten tons of hard coal in the basement of the bank building still burns. The vault containing 13—Governor $25,000 in gold, silver and bank notes, has just cooled sufficiently ta permit the tearing down of the brick wall and the opening of the vault, under the guard of Company K. When it became apparent that the town wasin danger, many persons ran with their valuables to the vault and as a result, $10,000 worth of jewelry and other articles were saved. Dr. Corrican recovered $500 worth of instruments and Miss Asmus found her $200 worth of furs and a mink winter hat had been uninjured, except that the plumes on the hat had been browned by the heat. Mr. Berg is assisting in the rescue work, and it is upon information from him that there are added to the death-list: Martin Klakey, Nels A. Klakey and John Alfverson. With Governor Eberbart, Mr. Berg ran his l_agxnc!f ten miles up Silver Creek. Here they discovered the discarded weapons of these three men, the guns telling asilent but ghastly tale of their owner’s deaths. Sergeant George T. Baker, one of the members of the Bemidji militia who had the honor to be appointed orderly to the governor, tells a dramatic story of a woman | refugee, who is being cared for by his wife at_ Bemidji. This retugee was a resident of Spooner and when the tiames en- gulfed the town, she ran from the house with her baby under her, arms for a place of safety. She had run only a few rods when the sea of flames shot npward and be- gan to whirl like 2 tornado, creat- ing a powerful suction of hot air which wrenched the child from its mother’s arms and sent her reeling in a cloud of dust and flamesh ot smoke. The woman, frantic from i burns and fear, staggered to her feet completely at loss as to the location of her baby, whose plain- tive cry was drowned by the rush- ing roar of the sweeping flames. The desperate mother felt the child’s dog tugging at her skirts. She followed the animal to a nearby and somewhat sheltered ravine and found her baby and both are alive and well. Anotner death, a peculiarly pa- thetic one, took place today as a re- sult of the fire. It was the six-days- old child of Mrs. Otto Dierckes, wife of the office manager at Spooner of the Namakan Lumber company, a subsidary concern of the Shevlin~ Mathieu, Mrs, Dierckes, on the night of the fire, was carried on blankets to the lumber company’s office, where she still remains. Her child died of exposure. B In the open air and surrounded by men ready to carry her to shelter, Mrs. Mike Subsysion, wife of a mill man, gave birth to a boy. She and the child were well cared for and both are expected to live. Postmaster J. E. Huss of Spooner, who isalso editor of the Northern [Continued on Page 8] " MINNESOTK ISTORICAL THE BEMIDJI DAILY PIONEER VOLUME 8. NUMBER 193. I I—— “‘“W 1 i { i i i i { *i., it | I { e i{ = %