Bemidji Daily Pioneer Newspaper, January 29, 1914, Page 1

VOLUME 11. NO. 233. DEMAND GROWING | FOR FEDERAL LINES Movement For Government Owned Phone And Telegraph Lines Grow- ing Constantly Says Tavenner LAST IN COUNTRY RANKING While In Carrying of Letters U. 8. Stands Second, Japan Only, Being Cheaper—Employes Rank High From Congressman C. H. Tavenner Washington, January 29.—In spite of the evident attempt of the Ameri- can Telephone and Telegraph Co. to stave off government ownership by itg alleged willingness to submit to any government demand, the more- ment for government phones and telegraph is gaining constantly in strength. Here are some new and striking facts showing the position of the United States as compared to all oth- er civilized countries in the efficiency of malfl, telegraph and telephone ser- vices. The ranking of the United States is as follows: Ranks Second In the cheapness of carrying let- ters by mail—SECOND, being ex- ceeded only by Japan, where the let- ter rate is one cent and a half; In the average .charge for tele- grams—LAST, telegraph service be- ing cheaper in Luxemburg, France, Japan, Norway, Belguim, Nether- lands, Sweden, New Zealand, Great Boritlan, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Austria-Hungary, and Rus- sla, in the order named. Most of those countries have government tele- graphs. The average message charge in Luxemburg ds nine cents. In the United States it is 44 cents, In point of average charge per lo- cal - telephone call—FOURTEENTH, ‘being exceeded only by Luxemburg and France. The cheapest tele- phone service is that of Norway where it costs the people an average of four mills per call. In the United States the average cost is 2.1 cents, or slightly more than sending a let- ter. Last In Distance Calls In cost of long distance service: for telephoning 100 miles—LAST; for teiephoning 300.. mites—LAS' for telephoning 500 miles—LAS' for telephoning 700 miles—LAS' for telephoning 1,000 miles—LAST. It costs an average of 60 cents to telephone 100 miles in this country. For the same service the Swedish charge is eight cents; that in France 10 cents; in New Zealand, 24 cents. In Hungary, where charges are next highest to those of thls country the average 100 mile telephone rate is only 39 cents. Similar contrasts are shown in the 300-mile long distance radius, in which the average Ameri- can charge is $1.80. In the Nether- lands it costs only 12 cents to tele- phone 300 miles. Ranks Sixteenth The United States ranks slxteenth in cost of telephoning 100 miles or 300 miles. The ranking is 11th in the 500-mile radius; seventh in the 700-mile radius; and sixth in the 1,000-mile radius; but LAST (or most expensive) in each case, since only six countries on earth offer phone service for a distance of 1,000 miles. Take the subject of efficiency of employees—the number of telephone calls handled per employee during the year. Ranking of the United States in this respect among 13 coun- trles—NINTH. Only in Norway, Switzerland, Netherlands and France are operators less efficient than in this country. This is not due to va- riances in skill, but because of the light charges of government tele- phones abroad bring great business and keep operators and plant work- ing up ta capacity. Employes Good But, in efficiency of postal employ- ees, the United States, among 16 countries ranks SECOND, being ex- ceed only by Belgium. In other words, whatever service in transmit- ting communications is rendered by the United States is rendered with an efficiency exceeding that of almost all other nations. But our privately owned telegraphs and telephones fall far below the stanlard of efficiency and cheapness set by the European government service. WORKED AT ELEGTION TIME Wolff Tells Why St. Paul Granted Him Favors. St. Paul, Jan. 29— state's star witness Police illie Wolff, the in the police SHELBY M. CULLOM. Former Senator From Illinols Dies at an Advanced Age. Photo by American Press Assoclation. FOR PROMOTION OF TRADE Russian-American Bank for St. Peters- burg Proposed. St. Petersburg, Jan. 29.—Informal overtures were made by a group of Russians to the ministry of finance, with a view to obtaining a charter for a Russo-American bank, intended to promote trade between Russia and the United States. The applicants said they were act- ing in concert with large American banking interests. The reply given was to the effect that no discussion of the matter could be entertained until securities repre- senting half the amount of the capital of the proposed bank—$2,500,000— had been deposited either in St. Pe- tershurg or abroad. This precaution is intended to pre- clude ‘the risk of negotiations being opened with mere concession hunters. It in no implies the readiness of the minis of finance to grant the charter demanded. SPGONER IN NEW HOME Takes Possession Of Front Suite Of Offices In First National Bank Building ENJOYS WIDE LEGAL PRACTICE Judge Marshall A. Spooner of this city has taken possession of a beauti- ful suite of offices in the new First National bank building, the arrange- ments and appointments of which are ideal and lack nothing that is desired in a modern law office. The rooms are the front suite in the building, facing third street the chief thoroughfare of Bemidji. Judge Spooner has acquired pro- minence as a lawyer throughout the state, having been counsellor and chief legal advisor in not a few im- portant cases that have made his- tory in Minnesota and the north- west. kbbbl bbbk ke * < 4 ASTOR AND FIANCEE TO < + CRUISE UP NILE. L3 < < + New York, Jan. 29.—The party < < which will accompany Vincent «* ¢ Astor on his prenuptial cruise < <+ to the Mediterranean will in- + clude Miss Helen Dinsmore <+ # Huntington, his bride-to-be; < ++ her mother, Mrs. Robert P. < <4 Huntington, and his mother, «* < Mrs. Ava Willing Astor. It is < < understood the cruise is to be < % of two months’ duration. * o Ed LR X R LR A program, Basket sociable and candy sale will be given in the East school house, distriet 48, town of Northern next Friday evening, Jan. 30th. Beginning at 7:30 o’clock. The |ASKED THOUSANDS; SETTLED FOR $300 Evidence Allowed To Enter Records Of McDonald-MacMillan ~Trial Telling of 1901 Incident TELLS OF FIRST MEETING First Met Plaintiff In 1808 Where He Proposed Marriage—Divorced Wife On Stand for Brief Period “I first met Mr. McDonald while horseback riding at Hot Ark., in March, 1908.” related Mrs Amber Millan. defendant in the Me- Donald against Mrs. MacMillan case, when testifying yesterday afternoon. Continuing she said in substance, “He at once became very attentive to me and on the second day of our accquaintance told me that he was|- divorced and asked me to marry him. He assured me that he was worth $2,000,000 and that as soon as we maried he would give me $500,000. Was Very Devoted - “In a few days we went to New Or- leans and after about two weeks there, during which time he lavished attention upon me, we went by steamer to New York City. He re- mained there about a week and was very devoted to me and gave me a gold hand bag, valued at $540, and directed me to select an enagement ring at Black and Frosts jewelry store, where he had arranged for ring to not exceed $2,000. I did not get the ring as I did not then feel sure that I wanted to marry him. After a few days I again met him at Mount Clemens, Mich., and on May 10 we were married at Mindser Can- ada.” Concluded Direct Case The plaintiff concluded his direct case yesterday afternoon and when court adjourned Mrs, MacMiHan had Jjust begun to relate her side of the story. It is probable that her ex- planation to the many matters relied upon by the plaintiff to show her to have been an adventurist and black- mailer will be prolonged and inter- esting. . The first witness called by the de- fénse was Mrs. Katherine McDonald former wife of the plaintiff, who se- sured a divorce in March, 1912. She Springs, | FOUR mmsgmsm Janudry lhmnge Cold, snappy Janui not kept Cupid in court. During the four licenses have Gruszeka, also of Martinson obtained 4 Miss Gina Nelson. BAND CONCERT TONIGHT e ;l Alden Remfrey, Di T, Announces Program For This Evening—Will Comprise Several Features DANCE WILL FOLLOW MUSIC Alden Remfrey, director of the Be- midji concert band, has announced the program which will be given this evening. Several features have been provided for the occasion, which will be the second indook.concert of the season. H. E. Anderson; clarinetist, who for several years has been the solo- ist of the band, will give a solo, and a quartette, comprising members of the musical organization, will sing. The following program will be given: The Program . March—The Mandator......... - . Vandercook 2. Waltz—\Veedmg of the Winds. ceeee .HBII . Badinette—The Peacock........ ................... Laurendeau . Quartette—Love’s Old Sweet Song . Selection—The Sunny South.... 6. Reverie—App]e Blossoms . Roberts . Clarinet Solo—Selected......... . E. Anderson 8. Overture—The Birdal Rose...... .......... .. .Lavallee 9. March—The.. J\u\* Klng R, ...Remfrey A Remfrey, Director. 3 EES = now resides at Oberlin, Ohio, where her daughters are students. Mr. Me- Donald’s counsel refused to consent to testimony by her as to matters oc- curring before the divorce, thus caus- ing her cvidence to be very brief. Sued For $35,000 Over the objection ‘of defendant’s counsel the plaintiff was permitted to show that in 1901 the defendant brought suit against an elderly and wealthy married man for $35,000 damages for breach of promise, and that the action was settled for $300. WANTS THREE GAMES Manager of Ascensions Unable To Bring Team Here But Wants Game —_— A. N. Barry manager of the As- cension basketball team of Minnea- Jolis stated in a letter to the manager of the Bemidji team that he would be unable to bring the fast Minneapolis five to Northern Minnesota for a series of games but would be willing to arrange for a series to be played in that city. Owing to the fact that all of the local players are employed in offices about the city and are unable to ob- tain a leave of absence it fis doubtfull if the trip can be made. D Play Progressing Rapidly Active interest is being taken in “The College Widow” a four act com- edy which will be given under the auspices of the Bemidji Athletic Club the latter part of next month. The young people carying the heaviest roles are working hard to master their parts and every indication goes to show that the play will be the proceeds to go on the payment of the school organ, Miss Mildred Hayes, teacher.—Adv. THE “CUB REPORTER graft cases, on his cross-examination told how he worked at the city elec- tion in 1912, checking up “repeaters” at the voting booths, with the under- standing that if the election went right he should have whatever favors ke wanted from the police depart- ment. He gave this information in answer to questions by W. R. Duxbury, attor- mey for Flanagan and Turner, former officers now on trial, as to what| {:‘:I:.cu he had with this election. He also testified that he received most successful ever given in this city Miss Coult, a member of the high “school faculty has charge of the play. The Boss Is'nt Taking Any Chances At Home ENTER THE RoOM RAPIDL-LET BROOM REST L\GHTLY ON Following the concert a dance will be given. The concert . is free to everyone. STATE MAY SUE FOR TAX Home For Inebriates Suffers Becanse Several Cities Fail To Pay on License Revenues BEMIDJI IS NOT INCLUDED Fifty-two cities and villages of Minnesota and’ two counties were threatened by the state board of con- trol today with suits to collect the 2 per cent tax on liquor license reven- ues, imposed by the state in 1909 as a maintenance fund for the state in- ebrite farm at Wilmar. Some cities have paid no tax. Notices will be served on each one to pay what is due, and if there is not a prompt re- sponse suits will folow. ‘The board of control was surprised to find the funds of the Wilmar jn- stitution exhausted when there should be a balance of $40,000 or more, and investigated. State Audi- tor S. G. Iverson said he had sent repeated notices for payment of the tax, but many have disregarded them. Winona and Carver counties are delinquent. International Falls and South St. Paul have paid no tax in the five years since the law became effective. Duluth is delinquent for 1913, and other places on the list are Owatonna, Jordan, Le Sueur Cen- ter, Melrose,- Cass Lake, Thief River Falls, North St. Paul, Cloquet, Co- lumbia Heights and Golden Valley. Stewart Mills, of Brainerd, is a Be- midji business visitor today. BANQUET TOBE B()Y : CONGRESS FEATURE Will Be Given At Markham Hotel On First Day Of Two Day Meeting—" Boys To Have Full Charge TO ELECT PRESIDING OFFICER John Alexander, “'Boy'/Friend,” Will | Address Sunday Mass Meetings— ‘‘An Opportunity,” Says Warfield One of the chief features of the two day Boys Congress which is to be held in Bemidji Saturday and Sun- day, February 21 and 22, will he & banquet which will be served at the Markham hotel, Frank S. Lycan, pr prietor, having announced that he will be able to accomodate the lads: It is expected that many of the boys will reach Bemidji Friday night and Saturday morning. They will be met at the trains by the committee members and will then register and be directed to rooms. Boys To Have Charge Saturday morning the first pro- gram of the Congress will be held. This conference will be presided over by the boys, and officers elected. All of the officers will be boys and every member of the congress will be qu: ilified for office. 4 There will be another conference during the afternoon, following which there will be a meeting of the Sunday school teachers having pupils of the “teen’” age. During this per- jod the boys will have recreation. Then The Banquet At 7 o’clock the banquet will be served. This will be the only ex- pense Bemidji will be to, and the cost will be met by business men of the city. Then will follow an ad- dress by John Alexander, the “Boys Friend.” Mr. Alexander is a boy among the boys, knows their likes and dislikes and what they most en- joy. He will give them information on out door life, how to-light a fir without a match and other rules -Jof entertainment and useful enter- prises for the lad of betwaen 14 and 20 years. The Sunday morning program will be arranged so as to best suit the ministers of the city. Providing they agree, a mass meeting will be held at which every one.will be invited and at which Mr. Alexander will talk. Sunday Afternoon Sunday afternoon there will be an- other conference of the boys, and al- 'so two meetings, one for the men and another for the women. The closing of the Congress will come Sunday evening with another mass meeting at which Mr. Alexander will talk. At the open meetings at which Mr. Alexander will talk, it is expected the GAthletic club hall, provided it can be secured, will be filled. Mr. Alexander is perhaps the best known boys talker in the United States, and his services are in constant demand in all parts of the nation. He is con- nected with every organization which deals in the welfare of the young man. 3 An Opportunity Charles Warfield, chairman of the general committee, which has charge of the Congress, from the Bemidji angle, at a meeting yesterday after- noon said, “There is every reason why we should work with a desire to make this Congress a success. Be- midji is a city which is wide known because of its ability to do things, and we should take advantage of this opportunity to increase that fa- vorable impression of our city.” BOYS ASK SUPPORT FOR GAME Seven Athletes Comprising Hockey Team Are Selling Tickets Sunday afternoon the Bemidji Hockey team will play their first game of the season when they meet a strong aggregation from Crookston who are working for the state cham- pionship. The visitors have played together for several years and last year ranked high. The local seven have but recently organized but the men comprising the team are the jbest skaters in Bemidji and expect. ‘to humble the big Crookston seven. - | district court. IGETCHELL ENTERS Whitman Extends Graft Inquiry to Many New . York - Banks. Photos by American Press Assoclation. A search is to be made of the rec- ords of every bank in New York state by District Attorney Whitman in his ef- fort to prove the existence of a graft plot to loot the state treasury of hun- dreds of thousands of dollars. In the picture are shown three men whose bank accounts are to be probed. They are: (Top) Arthur H. McLean, for sixteen years chairman of the state Democratic committee, who pleaded guilty on Jan. 13 io accepting a cam- paign contribution from a corpora- tion; (center) Dunean W. Peck, state commissioner of public works, and (below) Everett Fowler of Kingston, under indictment for extorting $250 from Seneca P. Hull, a contractor of Cortland, and for soliciting a cam- paign contribution from a corporation. JOHN'NIXON COMES BACK Sheriff Johnson's Star Boarder Re- turns to County Jail On Same Charge Several Times Before BOUND OVER TO GRAND JURY “Nothing doing at all other than that John Nixon, is again confined in the county jail,” was the comment of Sheriff Johnson . this morning when asked if any arrests of impor- tance had been made of late. Nixon is one of the best known men in the criminal courts of Bel- trami county. Seldom is he given opportunity to enjoy the life of free- dom for any long length of time. In fact his actions would lead one to believe that he likes the treatment received at the hands of Turn-key Cahill. Just one month ago he was given his release from the county jail af- ter serying out a thirty day term, im- posed by the Federal court at Fer- gus Falls. This was on December 12. He had. then just completed a 90 day- sentence given him by the Both terms were giv- en him for the illgal sale of intoxi- cants. He was brought to Bemidji again this morning by Deputy Sheriff Dundas on the same charge, on & complaint made out by Willlam Ma- son, of McDougal. He was bound over to the grand jury by Justice Norris, Nixon has othier police court rec- ords, and deals with crimes reach- ing back several years. In 1912 he served 60 days for the same offence. Mrs. D. L. Stanton will leave this evening for the twin cities where she will be the guest of her sister, Mr. George E. Pennock, and her daugh- ter, Misg Gladys Stanton, who 18 at- tending school there. By "HOP” PUBLISH THAT ? WELLT SHOWLD say NOT—MY ' [{ WIFE WouLD THiINW T was (TIPPING: OFF HER HAND! ALDERMAN RACE Announces Denre' i To “Represent People of First Ward On Council— Opposes J. P. Lahr and Zeigler - ONLY FEW ' PETITIONS FILED No New Candidates Have Announced Intention of Entering Race for Any City Office to Be Voted On. - That Ted Getchell will be a can- didate for alderman in the first ward, in opposition 'to J. P. Lahr and John Zeigler, the latter a Socialist, was an- this afternoon and his petition is now being circulated. As there are only a few Socialist voters in this ward, it is believed that the fight for the seat will be between Labr and Getchell at the polls on February 17. Both have strong followings, No New Candidates While there has been much talk during the past few 'days, no new candidates have been announced for any of the city offices to be voted on next month, Mr. Getchell’s nouncement of ‘to day being except- S ed. No one has yet been announced , \as a Socialist candidate in opposi- tion to Alderman Smart in the sec- ond ward, to take the place of Tho- | mas Bell, who has stated that he will ] not run. | Liquor Question, Chief Issue & | 1 Y an- As election day draws near it be- comes more and more evident that B | the saloon question will be the chief issue of the campaign. Those in fa- vor of voting “No-License,” are con- fident that the count of the votes af- ter the close of the polls on election day will usher forth many surprises, | and that either the saloons will have 1 been: voted out or nearly so. ? Many who are in favor of cutting ithe saloons down to a much smaller { number argue that if they are now voted ourt, that a year from now they | can be voted in again with the result | that only eleven - saloons could he granted licenses, according <to, the populatiewTaw.. Those ,_are against “No License,” feel that to (vote the saloons out this year would neccesarily mean -a permanent dry town. Much Transient Trade | That a very large percentage of the saloon business done in Bemidji is by transient trade is the opinion of I local liquor dealers. Last but not least, twenty-nine thousand dollars of the city’s revenue each year is from the saloon, and should they be voted out, for a time at least, twenty nine business houses of the city will be closed. Should “No License,” carry several thousand dollars will have to be returned to license hold- ers. -— RHODA ACCEPTS POSITION. Treasurer’s Deputy Goes to Long Prairie for Bank Position, Albert Rhoda, who for the past several months has been employed ag deputy treasurer in the oftice of County Treasurer Geil, will leave to- morrow morning for. Long Prairie where he has accepted a position as agsistant cashier of the First Nation- |al bank of that city. Mr. Rhoda 1s an expert bookkeeper. Harry Ahl- strand of Long Prairie will fill the vacancy left by Mr. Rhoda and com- menced his new duties this morning. Taxes Coming In Slow Personal property taxes are com- ing in exceptionally slow according to Earl Giel county treasurer. Dur- ing the mext month the final rush is expected which will compel the employes to work night and day to care for the large number who pre- fer to pay taxes on the last day and wait their turn among the throng of tax payers who will crowd the.cor- ridors from early morning until long after dark. Let $100,000 Contract. The state board of control ‘has awarded the contract for® erecting four new buildings at the Walker sanatarium’ to the Hodgin" Construc- tion company of St. ‘Paul. The amount will be in the neighborhood of $100,000 and will not be known exactly until the architect has made revised plans. The contract for equipment has not been let. Cahill Back On Job. James Cahill, deputy sheriff, and turnkey at the county jail, {s back on the job after a ten days’ 1llness. . Mr, Cahi)l hes not entirely recovered : from the physical breakdown which resulted in his confinement but”at- ténds to many of the light dnflel connected with ‘his' position,