Bemidji Daily Pioneer Newspaper, December 26, 1916, Page 1

«THEK BEMIDJI . VOLUME XIV. NO. 308. LHENEF Y BEMIDJI. MINNESOTA, TUESDAY EVENING. DECEMBER 26, 1916. MUNICIPAL CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL GREAT SUCCESS; MANY ATTEND| People Unite In Festival of Song and Gift Giving Christmas Eve; Bitter Cold Does Not Deter Huge Crowd Congregating; Bonfires Lend Comfort MAYOR VANDERSLUIS’ ADDRESS Mr. and Mrs. B. Midji and all their children were at the community Christmas tree Saturday evening for the first time in their lives, it be- ing the first affair of its kind ever staged in thig city. That it wad a gplendid success is needless to say, P t it may be said, just the same. ®Colorful and tuneful was the scene at the intersection of Beltrami av- -enue and Fifth street where towered the giant evergreen, radiant in its holiday attire of tinsel festoons and shaded electric bulbs of red Christ- mas bells, white and blue. At convenient intervals were bon- fires around which grouped hundreds of spectators of the evening’s program awaiting the opening of the program and during its rendition. Early they commenced to arrive, the intense cold of the night making their stay any- thing but comfortable and many % went and came at intervals, while i/ many others braved the chill through- o ;Put the presentation of the offerings. o Children Sing Carols, . On the northwest corner of the in- tersection, sawdust had been sprin- kled on the snow and, grouped in -gquads, school children sang Christ- mas carols, their childish voices being lifted in praise of the Christ Child. Jusit prior to the opening of the program and while the crowd was ‘heaviest a red light was fllashed forth from atop the Masonic temple and there was a general craning of necks. ‘With the light increasing in inten- sity a red capped, red coated and white bewhiskered individual appear- ed to rise over’ the copping and childish expressions of delight and awe were heard on every hand— Santa Claus. Cheers for Santa. Following the appearance of Santa the heads of two deer peeked over the parapet and, unable to restrain themsielves yells of delight pierced the frigid night. Santa was imper- .sonated by E. E. McDonald. The program itself was sponsered by Miss Elsie Schmitt, president of the Queen Esther society, which broached the idea of a community Christmas tree for Bemidji, and she -was in charge of that part of the af- fair, . Opening by Mayor. Opening the program Mayor Charles W. Vandersluid made a brief address of welcome, he presiding, in which he said: “The thought of the Child is up- ‘permost in our minds as Christmas approaches. For it is the season of the Child. We love it because that & fYhich is best in us—in you and me— & pqchildlike. i *X¢«And so, at Christmas time, our heartg are light; our thoughts revert to the good old days of long ago; our memories place smiles upon our lips, . yet, at the same time, bring tears to our eyes. “For, in the sunlit vale of memory, there are faces upon which we shall - SECOND INFANTRY TO LEAVE BORDER JAN. 4 San Antonio, Tex., Dec. 26.—The "‘§econd infantry, Minnesota national guard, will be ready to leave Camp General Frederick Funston has an- nounced. The members will travel to Fort Snelling to be mustered out of the Federal service. The Wisconsin brigade headquar- ters and First Infantry will leave Wilson here Wednesday and n Field Hospital No. 1 will { leave two days later, according to the announcement. ’\ - Date of departure for the North \ Dakota regiment has not been fixed. \*OMAN ATTACKED IN HOME 2 ; USES KNIFE AS WEAPON Sioux City, Ia., Dec. 26.—When D. ®. Barr went to his home he found his wite gagged, bound and locked in . bathroom. A bloody butcher knife _ found in the kitchen she said had been used by her to fight off a man ‘Who attacked her. Appearance of Santa Claus Atop the Masonic Temple Greeted With Yells of Delight; Carols Directed By iss Elsie Schmitt look again, but there also are visages which we shall behold only when the twilight beckons and we wend our way homeward. “It is Christmas time! We are young again. Our lips are unsealed. ‘We may express with the frankness and joy of early childhood the affec- tion and love we feel for one - an- other. - It it as it should be. Friends understand. You understand. ““May all those good things for which you have yearned; may good health and great happines and con- tinued prosperity be yours through- out the coming vear and then through the years to come.” Candv for All Following the conclusion of the program, another surprise was in store for the children of the entire city. At the foot of the tree were stationed large boxes containing sacks of candy and popcorn balls and there were over 1,000 sacks of candy. Mayor Vandersluis, Alderman Lahr and Harry Koors attended to the dis- tribution and there was not-a kid in the city whose pockets did not bulge with the toothsome sweets. It was a great time for the mayor, the al- derman, Mr. Koors and the kiddos. The candy feature had the backing of the mayor who saw to it that the candy was furnished and paid for. The packing of the candy was done by Miss Dean, Mrs. Harry Koors, Mrs. Edward N. Ebert and Bert Case and, to quote Mr. Koors, it was ‘‘some job.” Beautiful in Spirit. The affair, while not of magni- tude, was beautiful in its entirety. It furnished opportunity for all Be- midji to meet as one and participate in the festival observed throughout all civilization and it was the spirit of the occasign which permeated the inauguration of Bemidji’s first com- munity Christmas tree, and its pro- moters and all who lent assistance in any manner deserve the highest praise from every one. 4 ALLIED DESTROYERS MAKE DARING RAID Llano Grande January 4 for home,! ON ENEMY FIGHTERS (By United Press) Berlin, Dec. 26.--Four Austro-Hun- garian destroyers made a successful raid in the siraits of Otranto and sunk two patrols and on the way back routed six enemy destroyers of superior speed type, says an official dispatch today from Vienna. On the night of Decemper 22 and 23 one destroyer of the Indomito class was routed, one hostile destroy- er was g2t on fire, and three others were hit several times at short range. One of the allied destroyers was struck in the hull and another in the superstructure. Losses of the raiders include one dead and one wounded. FIRE CHRISTMAS MORNING DESTROYS SMALL SHED Fire of an unknown origin de- stroyed the woodshed adjoining the hous2 occupied by a family named Heebe on Bemidji avenue, between | Eighth and Ninth street, Sunday morning at 9 o’clock. Mr. Heebe is employed in the box factory and is preparing to move to Wisconsin. The fire department by good work saved the house from any material damage. 'WIRE TRAFFIC IS CUT; SEVERE SLEET STORMS (By United Press) Chicago, Dec. 26.—Sleet storms have delayed wire traffic in the northern tier states of the middle west, Jowa being practically cut off from all communication. Wisconsin, Minnesota and the Dakotas are feel- ing. the storm effects less severe. OkS. THE BIRTH OF CHRIS ROAST BEEF AT $7 A POUND FROM THE STOCK SHOW CHAMPION GRAND CHAMPION “CALIFORNIA FAVORITE” (K________7 FAT ONES AT THE STOCK YARDS When the grand champion steer, California Favaorite, sold for $1.75 a ppund as he stood in the ring, it meant a new record for the “cost of high living,” nearly seven dollars a pound for the best cuts of this Christmas baby beef. Many cities uid, but Detroit will eat the beef, Never before did a beef steer bring such a price, $1.50 a pound be- ing the nearest approach to it. Boy victors of Iowa’s Baby beef contests stood open-eyed while the bidding, started at 5 cents a pound, jumped up and up. The sale was made for the University of California by Clay, Robinson & Companr in Chicago Mn-wh';izln: (but Mose Greenwald for z b:iront house added his defiant nickle after nickle by a nod until, “$1.75.a pound, sold,” shouted the auctioneer. Wires went to the automobile city to pre- pare to parade the grand champii‘on bought at a price of $1,960. 'or Christmas rib roasts that is a fabu- lous figure. Not a kernel of corn had been fed to_ this _California champion—no otner grain than barley. In breeding it was a Hereford sire by a Short- horn dam, stall fed by an Aberdonian herdsman, Alex McDonald. “The best calf ever shown on the conti- nent,” was the claim by the head of the victorious college after paying tribute to McDonald. Man Jumps Into River; Says He Is “Going Crazy;” Several of His Toes Frozen Something of an indefinite nature agitated the thought reservoir of a foreigner with an unpronouncable name Saturday anight while he was in a local restaurant and he started to clean out the place with a wring- er. A call was sent in for the police whereupon the unwelcome visitor made a hasty getaway. The stranger made a dash for the river and into the icy waters he jumped with:the intention, so he says, of drowning himself, but at the place wherein he jumped the water is shallow and he ducked his head under the stream several times, but without avail. Climbing the opposite bank the man walked in the intense cold to the home of Ralph Ripley, across the lake. Mr. Ripley took the stranger in and thawed him out. It was then learned that the man’s feet were hadly frozen and he was. conveyed in Fred Brinkman’s auto to the office of Dr. Shannon, city physician, who gave the unfortunate fellow atten- tion and then took him to the poor farm. The stranger didn’t stay long and fled again in his terrible condition, returning to Bemidji and to the scene of his trouble Saturday night. He was again captured and returned to the poor farm. The fellow gave as GERMANY FORWARDS _HER TERMS OF PEACE (By United Press) Rome, Dec. 26.—Germany has handed neutral nations, whose servi- ces she has asked in forwarding peace suggestions, sealed packages contain- ing specific terms upon which she is willing to make peace. A report here says the packets have been sent with instructionst that the contents be read only in case the entente allies ask Germany’s terms, otherwise to be returned unopened. GUEST OF SENATOR. ' ‘Willard McGregor, son of Mr. and Mrs. E. C. McGregor, spent the day in Cass Lake the guest of Senator William O’Neal and other friends. his reason for fleeing the poor farm that the ‘*‘spirits were working” on him. In a brief interview he said he was going crazy and that his mother was crazy. He claims to have come from North Dakota and appears to be about 40 years old. Some of his toes may have to be amputated. “HELP”, IS WIRELESS BY SINKING VESSEL 150 MILES AT SEA (By United Press) New York, Dec. 26.—The steam- ship Maryland was reported sinking 150 miles off Sandy Hook early this morning and the revenue cutter Achusnet and the steamship Savan- nah started to the assistance of the disabled vessel. Wireless calls for help said the en- gine room was rapidly filling with water. There are two ships named Mary- land listed in the registry, one Brit- ish of 2,620 tonnage and the other American of 1,899 tons. It is thought the calls for help were from the lat- ter. She left Philadelphia for Lon- don December 23 carrying a cargo of oil, iron pipe, fibre, paper and a mis- cellaneous cargo of merchandise. . Another Boat Sent. ‘Washington, Dec. 26.—So serious does the coast guard consider the condition of the steamer Maryland that the cutter Gresham has been added to those already on their way to the rescue. This makes four gov- ernment boats on the way. LA CROSSE DEPOT BURNS. La Crosse, Wis., Dec. 26.—After a battle of 24 hours, firemen are still pouring water upon the ruins of the Cameron house and Milwaukee rail- way station which burned to the ground Sunday with a loss of $100,- 000. The fire started in the base- ment. Several guests were compelled to flee in their night clothes, leav- ing all their personal possessions be- ‘hind. . SPOONER UARREL OVER TAXES; ONE SKuU1 -ALL BEMIDJI HON MAN KILLED BY FRIEND; HOUSES ON SAME LOT; 4 BULLETS SPEED TRUE TO MARK Nick Suftzon Is Alleged Latter Flees Across Victim of William Polack; Border But Returns and Is Arrested By Police ANY ONE oFr WOUNDS FATAL Dead Man Leaves Wife and Child; Alleged Slayer Unmarried; Both Austrians; Inquest .4 Is Set for Tomorrow Morning (Special to Pioneer) Spooner, Minn., Dec. 26.—A quarre: over the payment of taxes on jointly owned property here resulted in the death Saturday evening of Nick Softuzon after he is alleged to have been shot by William Polack. Both principals are Austrians, The shooting occurred about 6 o’clock and an hour later Softuzon was dead in a hospital here. Immediately after the firing of the fatal shots, Polack fled across the Canadian border to Rainy River but soon returned and was arrested by Chief of Police Dundas of Baudette. < o GERMANY CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE MEETING OF ALL (By United Press) Berlin, Dec. 26.—Germany’s answer to President Wilson’s peace note was handed to Am- bassador Gerard today. Calls for Meeting. Berlin, Dec. 26.—Germany’s reply to President Wilson’s note proposes an immediate meeting of delegates representing the bel- ligerent nations. WE’LL BITE. WWAF i IT? Vermilion, S. D., Dec. 26.—Four University of South Dakota co-eds will wear pedometers in their kitch- ens during the Christmas holidays to determine how many steps can be saved by efficiency in kitchen plan- ning. CHRISTMAS DAY QUIET; SANTA HERE ON TIME Cause of Quarrel. pute over business affairs. The men owned houses on the same lot and a quarrel ensued as to who should pay the taxes. It is alleged Polack fired a revolver four times at Softuzon, one of the bullets lodging in the skull of the victim and the other three g0- ing into his lungs, any one of the wounds being sufficient to cause death, it being asserted. Victim Leaves Family. Softuzon was 31 Yyears old and leaves-a wife and one child. Polack is 84 years old and unmarried. The inquest will be held tomorrow morning at which County Attorney |G. M. Torrance of Bemidji will ap- pear for the state and George Eric- son of Spooner and M. J. Hogland of Roseau for the defendant. JUDGEMENT FOR $13,000 IS ALLOWED BY STATE The supreme court hasi filed its de- cision in the case of Herman Held, as executor of the estate of Jacob Pfen- ninger, deceased, appellant ,against Herman K. Keller, et al, respondents, affirming the decision of the district court of Brown county, to the extent of $13,000. Bemidji passed a very quiet Christ- mas day. Business was generally suspended and families devoted them- selves to the observance of the day. In many homes chere were family re- unions and the entertaing of members of the household from points distant angd friends. Christmas eve saw lighted candles gleam from windows in many homes in accordance with the ancient cus- tom, beautiful in its interpretation. Santa Claus arrived on schedule as a special telegram to the Pioneer stated, and there was cheer to Be- midji's people including those to whom the coming of Christmas seem- ingly held little of interest. Bemidji fared well thig Christmas. POPE PLEADS PEACE. Rome, Dec. 26.—Pope Benedict made a plea for peace in his address at fhe Christmas reception to the Sacred college. Held was represented by Attorneys Sumson, Dempsey & Mueller of New Ulm, Minn., and John F. Gibbons of Bemidji represented the heirs of the estate. The estate of Jacob Pfenninger of New Ulm amounted in all to $149,- 000. The appellant, Herman Held, filed a claim of over $14,000 against the estate, and the supreme court of the state of Minnesota awarded judg- ment against the trustees for $13,- 000 and disallowed the claim of Her- man Held. SOME NAME IS RIGHT. Madison, S. D., Dec. 26.—Rev. H. W. Minish has nominated as the per- son with the longest name in South Dakota a girl whom he baptized— Hilma Anna Marea Matilda Daniel- son Longwood. Nicholeaus Asmus Dietrich Scharffenberg held the honor for some time. “Not Guilty” Jury’s Verdict In Former Two Harbors, Dec. 28.-—William Towl, former mayor of this city, was found not guilty of a charge of ac- cepting a bribe of $10 from P. L. Fullerton, proprietor of the Commer- cial hotel, in return for furnishing protection. Game Warden August Tabor testi- fied that he was within hearing when a conversation was held between Ful- lerton and Towl in the parior of the Commercial hotel on Dec. 6, wh2n Fullerton accused Towl of having given the key to the “blindpig” to the authorities' so they could raid the place. At the time of the conference it is alleged that Fullerton “reminded” Towl of $10 given him (Towl) on Nov. 16, 1914, Tabor and L. J. Christensen were concealed in a closet adjoining the parlor, they claim. Christensen fol- Mayor’s Trial lowed Tabor on the stand and prac- tically duplicated- the story told by Tabor. According to the testimony of both, Towl did not deny having re- ceived the money in 1914, but re- minded Fullerton that the treatment he had accorded Fullerton was that of a gentleman. The verdict of not guilty does not end the cases against the former mayor, according to County Attorney ¢ J. Gilbert Jelle. There are still three similar counts on which Towl can be arraigned. Following the finding of the not guilty verdict, court was adjourned by District Judge Dancer until today. There are several minor cases to be taken up. Following these either Towl will be arraigned again or one of the indictments against the pres- ent mayor, Ernest G. Strand, will be préssed. t The shooting grew out of a dis-