Bemidji Daily Pioneer Newspaper, April 22, 1914, Page 1

VOLUME 11, NO. 304. WILL RECOMMEND CIVIL SERVICE PLAN Efficiency Commission Studying Ac- -complishments in That Direction— Offer Latest Improvements VALUE BUSINESS ORGAi‘IIZAHON Men Should be Picked for Public Places by Fitness and Promotion Should Be Governed According St. Paul, April—22—(Special to the Pioneer)-—In a recent sale of a large business, there was an item, which the purchaser agreed to, of nearly half a million dollars under the head of ‘“going concern.” That was on top of inventory and fixed assets and a liberal price for good will. It represented mainly what it would cost to build up a business or- ganization like that. Business organization costs money and is worth money. After the panic of 1907 there were mills that kept running two years at a loss. Why not shut down? Because to do that would destroy the organization which was worth more than the loss in operating expense. Worth Money Business organization in state ad- ministration is worth money too Some departments are well organized now; if they 4were scattered it might take years trying out misfits to re- place them. In other departments it is possible the present organization might, be improved upon. In any case, when a good working organiza- tion is perfected no business man would wish to leave the chance of its being broken to caprice. It is worth too much. In government the best way that has been found to ipreserve this “go- ing concern” value is through civil service methods. And that is one reason why the efficiency commis- sion lays so much stress on the civil service feature of its program. Should Apply to State On the farm if a cow does not earn more than her keep, she is not an as- set but a liability. In business if a man does not earn his full salary, he is not a help but a hindrance There is no reason why the same principle should not apply in govern- ment. Under civil service methods, ap- plicants are picked with reference to fitness in the first place. There is always a temptation to make the civil service a resting place for de- serving patriots. They are always good fellows. It is a great defense against that sort of thing for a de- partment head to be able to say, “I would like to accommodate you but you know the civil service law; if your man passes the examination, I will be glad to have him in my de- partment.” But that is only one side of mod- ern civil service machinery. Up-to- date methods also keep track of the men in office and insure promotion to those who earn it. That pro- vides incentive and any of us will do ‘better when there is some incen- tive for it. Even a balky horse has been known to keep going when a bunch of carrots was dangled be- fore his nose. On Merit Basis Wihen it is on the merit basis, bet- ter men are available than when ser- vice depends on favor. Men who are doing good work shrould be safe in their positions. But not too safe. It is not wholesome to let some men know that as long as they dawdle through the motions they can’t be fired. The power of removal should not be too restricted. That is the essence of modern civil service law. The efficiency commis- sion is studying the best that has been done in their direction and will be prepared to recommend to the leg- islature a plan with all the latest improvements ARMED BANDITS LOOT TOWN Fire at All Citizens Who Attempt to Interfere. Phillipsburg, Mo., April 22.—Four bandits, after cutting this town off from all wire communication with the outside world, broke into two stores, blew open the vault in the Farmers’ State bank and escaped to the hills west of town with loot estimated at $3,000. More than a hundred shots were fired by the robbers at persons who attempted to interfere. BRITISH RULERS ON VISIT King George and Queen Mary Guests of France. London, April 22.—King George and Queen Mary of England, accompanied by a large staff, including Sir Edward lirey, the foreign secretary, and his private secretary, Sir William Tyr- rell, left for Paris to pay a state visit, Their majesties crossed the English channel from Dover to Calais on the royal yacht Alexandra, convoyed 'by British and French warships. Most of the type used by Chinese printers is made in Japan. MAJOR GENERAL WOOD, ‘Will Command’ Land Forces Should Army Invade Mexico. @ 1913, by American Press Assoclation. FIFTH BRIGADE IS READY. Troops in Texas Can Entrain on Mo- ment's Notice. Galveston, Tex., April 22.—Troops of the Fifth brigade, United States army, under command of Colonet Daniel Cornman, are ready to go aboard the four army transports here at a moment's notice. The brigade, which is composed of the Fourth, Seventh, Nineteenth and Twenty-eighth infantries, will be rein- forced by the Sixth cavalry, one bat- tery .of the Fourth field artillery; E company of engineers; D company, signal corps, and an ambulance corps. The full brigade numbers appry mately 4,700 officers and men. PHONE COMPANY PAY TAX Wedge Telephone Line of Thorhult Makes Belated Report to”State— Cross Earnings Amount 35 Cents PENALTY AMOUNTS TO $0.00125 Appalled at seeing the tax grow- :|ing by penalties like a taximeter fare, [Ole Roen, president of the ‘Wedge Telephone company, of Thorhult, a little settlement in northern Beltra- mi county, made a belated report yes- terday and paid the company’s gross earnings to the state of Minnesota. The report was two months late. 1f the 3 per cent tax is not paid on time a 10 per cent penalty is added, and then 1 per cent a month is piled on until the tax is paid. President Roen said the gross earnings for 1913 consisted of 35 cents, an assessment made on the stockholders to buy a dry battery. The tax account with the state is as follows: Three per cent gross earn- .$0.01050 .00105 Ten per cent penalty . Two per cent penalty for two months..... .00020 Total due state of Minnesota .01175 Not being able to make the exact change, President Roen sent a 2 cent stamip. ELECTRIC CURRENT KILLS Connection With Wire Made Through Wet Rag. St. Paul, April 22.—George Crawak U. S. MARI SENATE B Mexicans Fought From House-Tops and Street---First Bloodshed Resulting From Huerta’s Refusal to Salute American Flag--Mexican Troops Left Without Washington, April 22 —The Am- erican flag now flies over Vera Cruz. Four American were killed and twen- ty wounded when a detachment of bluejackets and marines from the American fleet seized' the custom house, raised the American flag, and skirmished with the Mexican gar- rison. A desultory firing was in progress yesterday, according to a dispatch from Rear Admiral Fletcher, re- ceived at 6 p. m.. ‘At first the gar- rison had apepared to be withdraw- ing, and American Consul Canada re- ponted this to the state department at 5 o’clock, but when the American forces reached the customs houses, the Mexicans opened fire with rifles and artillery. The transport Prai- rie immediately began shelling the Mexican position, slowly driving them out. The Mexicans fought from house tops and along the streets. The American forces have taken pos- sesion of the cable office and hold the American consulate and the sec- tion of the city in the vicinity of the wharves. Five shots from the Flori- da took down a tower occupied by Mexican sharpshooters. First Step Taken Vera Cruz by the Americans was the first step in the program of reprisal by the United States against the Huerta government for the arrest of American blue jackets at Tampico and other offenses. It is. the first clash between the forces of the United States and Mexico since the revolution broke out in the southern republic in 1910, giving Washington a Mexican problem to solve. Though the fighting had not ceas- ed late tonight, Admiral Fletcher warned the federal commander that he would use the Dbig guns of the American fleet if his men did not stop firing. It is estimated here that at least two hundred Mexicans were killed in the fight. Fire in Defense The American forces had orders to fire only to defend themselves. The United States intends to take no of- fensive steps for the present. The salute to the flag, which Huerta re- fused, will not be a satisfactory rep- aration. It is understood a declara- tion of apology as well as a salute and a guarantee that the rights and dignity of the United States would be respected, can alone cause a with- drawal of the American forces. Lo R R R R R APRIL IS MONTH OF WAR FOR UNITED STATES. was electrocuted when he came into contact’ with a volt meter connection at the American Hoist and Derrick company’s plant. Crawak was wash- ing windows in the boiler room when he met death. He crept behind the meter and it is believed the fatal connection was made by a wet rag he was carrying. Crawak was killed by a charge of 440 volts, which ordinarily is not con- sidered sufficient to kill.. He was thirty-five years old. FRANCIS JOSEPH IS BETTER Temperaure ©of Austrian Emperor Practically Is Normal. Vienna, April 21.—A considerable improvement in the condition of Em- peror Francis-Joseph was noted. His temperature is practically normal and his general strength good. Egypt and Sweden now have wo- men judges. The present difficulty with Mexico has brought out a queer historical coincidence. Sixteen years ago, on April 721, 1898, -war was declared against Spain. The Revolutionary war be- gan April 19, the last Mexican war on April 24, and the Civil war on April 14. deode o o b el ok e ok bk bk o ¢++++++++++++++++ ++++-‘-++++++-‘-+++ Morgxm-Kjelstrup Yesterday at the Methodist Epis- copal parsonage occurred the mar- riage of Miss Lena Kjelstrup of Fosston, Minnesota, and Floyd Byron Morgan of this city. Rev, M. D. Fuller, D. D. officiated in the ab- -|sence of Rev. Gilman. The ‘women of Los Angeles have | been makinng a campaign to abolish grade crossings. The taking of a large section of | kS ¥¥i#¥¥¥¥*¥¥#¥il * Washington, D, C., April 22. * * _United States enate at 2:21 * o'clock this morning, by a’ vote ¥ 72 to 13, passed the administra- ¥ tion resolution, declaring that * the president is justified in the * employment of the armed forces * of the United States, to enforce * his demands for - unequivocal * amends for the affronts and in * dignities committed against the ¥ United States in Mexico. KX KRR KRR R KKK KK KRR R KK R XXX % Washington, April 22.—Mex- * ican Charge d'Affaires Algara * was today instructed by Huer- * ta to request his-passports from ¥ Secretary Bryan., Huerta also * requested United States to with- ¥ draw 0’Shaughnessy, American % Charge d’Affairs in Mexico City. KKK XK KKK KKK XK KKK KKK KKK KK ¥ . Washington, April 22.—Fol- * lowing dispatch from Vera Cruz * made public by navy depart- * ment, reported ";Commandnnt * General Maas leaving Vera Cruz ¥ in carriage and 'faxnily in an- ¥ other. Mexican tmnp- turned loose to.-act as flm’.’ pleased, x few officers remaining. Seri- * ous fighting on part of Mexi- * cans seems to be concluded. ¥ During last night there were * occasional shots from house tops, * sometimes within = American X lines, and it was unsafe to tra- * vel streets. 2 EEEKEKK KKK KKK KKK T0 HOLD MASS MEETING Baseball Fans Interested in Down- town Park will Assemble at Ath- letic Club Tomorrow Evening * * ok ok ok k ok ok ok k ok K * ok k k ok ok ok ok kK& k k k k % ****k*t**i*** PROPOSITION URGED BY MANY At a meeting ‘which is to be held in the Athletic club rooms tomorrow evening the proposition of purchas- ing a site for the construction of a down-town baseball park will be dis- cussed at length and final action ta- ken. The baseball season has al- ready begun and if the field is to be erected for use this year work must start-in the near future. Many busi- ness men of the city are interested ipark, which would cost when com- pleted not more than $2,000, would prove suecessful. Several plans have been suggested for - the raising of the money with ‘which to finance the proposition, but if enough enthusiasm is not display- ed at the meeting which is to be held tomorrow evening the 'matter will be dropped: Members of the Athletic club are not the only ones who are urged to be present at the meeting of tomor- frow night, but every one who is at all interested in the building of the park 'ls urged to attend, especially busi- Zness men. THE CUB REPORTER SCOO —TLL SHOW YOO in the project and it is generally be-| lieved that the establishment of the| ES KILLED: PRESIDENT| Officers--Gen. Maas Flees Adopt Waiting Policy Mexico City, April 22.—The “watch- ful' waiting” policy now prevails in Mexico City. With- the senate of the American congress delaying and Charge O'Shaughnessy having exhausted ev- ery meahs of persuasion toward ob- taining an agreement from the Mexi- can government to comply with the demands of President Wilson for al’ salute there was nothing to do but wait. The entire diplomatic corps, with the exception of Charge 'O’Shaugh- nessy, held an extended conference with Foreign Minister Rojas. Huerta was not present. He is taking no of- ficidl part in the negotiations at this time. Sir Lionel Carden, former British ambassador to Mexico, but recently named ambassador to Brazil, is. ex- pected to arrive here shortly. Members of the diplomatic corps had high hopes that he might be able to persuade Huerta to yield. It is generally believed, however, there is only an outside chance that the Eng- lish ambassador may have any in- fluence. A backdown at the present time would put Huerta in the light of saluting the American flag without cause in the eyes of the Mexicans. The transportation committee of the American colony “hag assurances from Huerta that in the-event of war he will give Americans who wish to depart from the capital all possible aid and protection. To Cost One Million Daily ‘Washington, April 22.~War depart- ment estimates of the number of men which will be needed in Mexico, if in- intervention shall come and there is a coalition of the federal and Consti- tutionalist leaders, have been raised from 150,000 to 300,000. Some of the higher ranking officers of the service, however, believe that the top figures are too low and that 400,000 . men will be needed to com- plete the work of pacification and to make stable conditions ‘permanent. It is said that on the basis of an army of 300,000 men the cost of in- vasion to the American people will be nearly $1,000,000 a day. Active preparations for immediate action upon word from the White House continued at the navy and war departments. ‘The navy telegraph office had been kept open throughout the night, the officers in charge busily diciphering dispatches to be laid before Secretary Daniels upon his appearance in the morning. . What the two branches of the serv- ice are ready to do has been explained to President Wilson at a White House conference. GIVEN SIXTY DAY TERM Justice Oberg Sentences Beer Bottle Swinger To Jail _Simon Thompson, chief of police at Blackduck, arrived in Bemidji today having in custody William Wagner, who was sentenced to serve sixty days in the county jail by Justice Oberg. Wagner was found guilty of having hit Joe Duret over the head with a beer ~bottle during a fight which took place at Funkley last Sunday. Chief Thompson will re- turn to Blackduck this evening. W. B. Stewart, county superinten- 'dent of schools, and. A E. Rako, chairman of the board of county com- missioners are expected to return to Bemidji this afternoon from a trip of inspection to the unorganized school district at Kitichi lake. OW CHOP THAT RIGH Careful Scoop! You Are Out On Good Behavmr q / r, “( WHOSE DESK {T 15— ~00--00-~-00 - PROVINCIALISM = HERE -NUTHER MWE LIKE THAT AN YUH [ /) GO BACK Y0 T RO PILE -TH FIGHTING THIS OFFICE. HAs GOTTER PRI ADMIRAL FLETCHER. . _In Command of American Naval Force at Vera Cruz. CRITICISES_H‘OI—JSE ANTIS Assistant Secretary of Navy Flays Wilson Opponents. Seattle, Wash April 22—In an ad- dress at the Democratic state head- quarters Franklin B. Roosevelt, as- sistant secretary of the navy, criti, clsed members of the house who voted against the resolution endorsing Pres- ident Wilson’s plans in the Mexican crisis. When he announced that two mem- bers of the Washington delegation had voted against the resolution there were cries;of disapproval, which were repeated when he read the names of the members who voted no. MAY PURCHASF; CAR LINES Congress Considering Plan to Take Over Washington Street Railroads —Service Worse Than Ever MEXICAN DELAY MADE PLAIN By Congressman C. H. Tavenner Washington, April 22.—fwo of the Washington public service cor- porations—the traction companies of the capital city—are soon to be brought to face an outraged public opinion. The public service con- cerns of Washington have no equal in the United States for thé indif- ference which they display toward their patrons. “These patrons have no veotes and so are practically help- less in the matter of correcting abuses. But the Crosser Bill in the*House is bringing down upon the street car companies a fight for their lives, and for the first time their chickens will come home to roost. For a good many years these concerns have been operating their cars for dividends only, the social service motive be- ing entirely absent. It happens that among the patrons whose feel- ings are daily ruffled by the inade- quate traction service are most of the members of Congress. These men ‘are just looking for a chance to swat these concerns, and it seems likely that the Crosser Bill will af- ford the opportunity. The bill of Rep. Robert Crosser of Ohio, provides for the condemnation and government purchase of the cap- ital traction companies. A sub- committee of the House has acted favorably on the bill, and it is evi- dent that the measure is to come be- fore the House at this session. Those who know the temper of the House declare that the bill will be adopted by a two-thirds majority. Leaving aside sins of high fare, refusal to exchange transfers, wa- tered stock jobbing deals and other misdeeds, the Washington lines have taken. advantage of and turned into profits a custom which prevails in Washington to-a greater extent than in any other American city. In ‘Washington men invariably surren- der their street car seats to women when cars are crowded. ! Consequently, on most lines in ‘Washington the cars are run often enough to guarantee standing room By "HOP TBEMIDJI FARNERS ARE' 'PROSPEROUS. Show Pmperty Insured by Forty- six Patrons is Valued nt $208,200 Many Settlers Wishing to Secure Pxo- tection Plan on Remodeling Build- 7 ings To Comply With Charter That farmers of the- Bemiaji vicin- ity are prosperous is evidenced by the records of the Farmers Mutual Insurance company, as kept by J. .C. |McGhee, of Eckles, secretary of the newly organized association Insured For $50,000 According to the Trecords of Mr. McGhee, after eighteen days of busi- ness the company has accepted more than $50,000 of insurance, on °pro- perty valued at $206,200. Of this amount there is an indebtedness of but $7,725, distributed among the forty-six patrons of the company, which indicates that our farmers are far more prosperous than is generally supposed. Regarded With Suspicion Many farmers at first doubted the advisability of the establishment of the insurance company, feeling that ‘the settlers financially unable to car- ry on the business. Indications now are that by the first of next year the ‘Mutual Insurance eompany will carry $300,000 of insurance, on property valued ‘at more than $1,000,000. Making Improvements According to provisions of the chiarter of the company, buildings in which fires are kept, and which have no brick chimney, cannot be insured, and this has led many farmers to plan on improving their homes dur- ingthe summer, in order that they may secure protection in the future. only. This is not only true at the rush hours, when patrons expect to stand, but at the slackest time of the day. In the middle of the afternoon cars are taken of the streets, so that the few left running will be crowded with straphangers. “Manana” ‘‘Manana,” ithe Spanish word for tomorrow, accounts for much of the difficulty in dealing -with the Mex- ican situation. - The Mexican char- acter absolutely prevents obedience to an order when the order is given. There must be delay—the action can be put off until the last moment— in short, “manana.” Therefore, Americans should not become unduly excited when Huerta displays reluctance in acceding to the demands of President Wilson. It is utterly impossible for Huerta to act at once. It is his Mexican tem- perament. ‘He must wait until the expiration of the time limit—until the fleet actually arrives. Then he does what he intended to do all the time, and the situation loses acute- ness. ‘Whatever the outcome of the pres- ent crisis, there are certain to be fu- ture crises brought about by this characteristic of the Mexican temp- erament. Americans should remem- ber this and make allowances. BASEBALL SEASON OPENS High School Nine to Play First Game Of Year Saturday Afternoon Whe!_: Blackduck Team Comes Here RILEY AND SULLIVAN, BATTERY High school students are enthu- siastic over the prospects of the base- ball = of this spring and plan on giving the boys a large turn out at the first game of ‘the season which is to be played here Saturday afternoon when the Black- duck nine will be encountered. Bareball has never been real suc- cessful in the Bemidji school, but so ‘bright are the prospects this year that already the members of the team and its followers are claiming the school championship. Coach Bestul has been able to gst a large squad out and the boys have been having some merry fights for some of the positions, several of | which are not yet “cinched” by any candidate. Earle Riley, will pitch the Satur- day game and James Sullivan will cateh. SINGERS AT GRAND Southland Quintette, Colored Jubilee Concert Company Here Tonight As a special attraction, Manager ‘Woodmansee of the Grand theatre has billed the Southland quintette, one' of America’s leading colored jub- ilee concert companies, for this even- ing: This company has appeared in church benefit = entertainments . in |the large cities of the United States and eom hlghly raeommended.