Bemidji Daily Pioneer Newspaper, March 20, 1917, Page 1

[ el o R o et il ettt B Sl Bl SR ansns o MEN IV O MM|IP." . B | B | @ - L R e 2 a sS tt THE VOLUME XV. NO. 71. STATE OF WAR PRACTICALLY EXISTS | Such Is Taken For Granted At Washington NOT TRYINGTOBUILD ', BRIDGE, SAYS HAZEN "IN OPEN MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL There was a big batch of bills be- fore the city council last evening, many of them “hangovers” from the former administration and required considerable time in the auditing. It was about 9. o’clock before the bills ‘were disposed of and the council had settled down to a seemingly unin- teresting session when Alderman Hazen of the Fourth ward unbelted a right swing and busted the new bridge proposition squarely in the nose. And as a result it was after 12 o’clock before the city fathers and several spectators who had stuck till the close of the session left for their homes. Alderman Hazen started in a per- functory sort of manner but before he had gotten out of his system his opinion of the manner jn which the bridge was being built he certainly had enunciated a mouthful and there wasn’t ‘any doubt in the least as to what he thought about it, and what he thought wasn’t in the least com- plimentary. And he didn’t care who knew it. How It Started. It startea wnen he made a motion that-the inspector-on the work be -dispensed with and the city engineer do the inspecting, Mr. Hazen ex- pressing his belief that the city en- gineer could do the work as ‘he had little to do as time of year. City Engineer Swinson was called into the matter and ‘Informed the council that the work of putting in the concrete footings was in order, that it required an in- spector continually and that he had much other work in hand looking after frozen sewers and other duties which occupied much of his “time. A general discussion ensued at the close of which Alderman Hazen with- drew his motion, stating that he had not been fully informed of the true “facts in the matter. Another “Bridoe” Letter. A few minor details of business was then disposed of and a commu- nication read from the Illinois Steel Bridge company, contractors of the new bridge, discussing some matters pertaining to the plans of the bridge and quoting the names of several smen whom the company designated as experts as references, in a propo- sition for some changes in the speci- fications of the bridge. Hazen Expresses Self. “The city hired an architect and let the contract for the bridge accord- ing to the plans and specifications,” snorted Hazen. “Why don’t it hold good? They are not building the bridge, not trying to—just dillydal- lying along and fooling. I can’t see where they have any right to change the comstruction of the bridge.” Alderman Miller—*That’s what I “hold.” Bridee Attorney Speaks. E. E. McDonald, attorney for the company building the bridge, ad- dressed the council anent the pay- ment by the city for the plans drawn by an Indianapolis firm. There is a difference of opinion whether the city of Bemidji should pay for the plans or the Illinois Steel Bridge company which has the contract for building the bridge. Mr. McDonald stated the bridge company wanted the city to give it the money for the plans, that the bridge company had to pay the In- dianapolis company for them. Mr. McDonald asserted the city let the contract for the bridge to the Illi- nois Steel Bridge company omn the plans and specifications furnished by the Indianapolis concern, and that the city should pay for ¢he plans and specifications. He stated he would like to have the city take action on the matter immediately and draw a warrant for $1,000 as part of the payment for the plans. Delay is Advised. City Attorney Brown is out of the city, called by the death of a rela- tive, and State’s Attorney ‘lorrance was looking after the legal duties of the city in his stead. He was asked for an opinion as te the pay- ment for the plans, etc.,, and gave it offhand that in his judgment noth- ing should be done without further consideration. He gave it offhand al- so that the contract for the bridge ‘was taken for a certain sum and that | | | -$6,000 is a lot of CLARK WOULD KNOW IF CITY OFFICIALS CAN SELL TO CITY “] understand there is a written opinion by the late city attorney,” remarked President H. M. Clark near the close of the council meeting last night, “which holds that officials of the city have the right to sell goods to the city. I would like very much to have a copy of that opinion. It doesn’t coincide with my school of learning.” ing for any plans and specifications. Hazen Again at Bat. “Why don’t the company pay for its own plans?” interjected Hazen. “They’ve got about $6,000 from the city now and what have we got? You don’t expect us to give you a lot of money before we get anything, do you? All there is to show for that rubbish and boards.” “We're going to have that thou- sand,” replied Mr. McDonald sauvely. “Don’t doubt it at all, the way they’ve been playing,” again snorted Hazeu. “Don’t you suppose if I had the contract to build that bridge I'd got the stuff on the ground and gone ahead and built it?” interposed Mo- berg. Shrannel Keens Up. Mr. McDonald continued his con- tention as representing the bridge company and Hazen and Moberg ve- hemently kept firing away and it was greatly enjoyed by the ‘“bleachers.” But the council didn’t take any action toward allowing the $1,000 asked for the plans as partial pay- meat. Pauvers Well Kept. Aldermen Phillippi and Moberg gave a report on the care of the pau- pers of the city and reported they were well taken care of. They made some recommendations as to better sanitation and ventilation. Fred Pet- rie‘was awarded the contract for care|, of the paupers at 69 cents per day, $1 per day when confined to room. M. E. Ibertson was awarded the contract for pauper burial at $14.75 each. Mayor Vandersluis reported that a state inspector had ordered mattress- es and blankets for the city jail and some minor changes in fixing up the jail. The Sentinel was awarded the city printing for the ensuing year, it be- ing alternated between the Pioneer and the Sentinel. SOCIALISTS TO OPPOSE WAR WITH GERMANY DECLARES BENSON (By United Press) New York, March 20.—Allan Ben- son today stated the Socialists will register a mighty protest against war at the meeting to be held in St. Louis April 7. “Unless the situation is more grave I can’t see where there is any great crisis,” he asserted. " PRESIDENT IMPROVES (By United Press) Washington, March 20. — The president’s condition was consider- ably improved today and he played a game of golf as a relief from the in- ternational strain. SPEEDY PEACE, WILL RUSSIA STRIVE FOR (By United Press) Petrograd, March 20.—Two provi- sional government will use every en- ergy to effect a speedy peace, de- nothing was said about the city pay- | clared Minister Milikoff today. BEMIDJI. MINNESOTA. TUESDAY EVENING. MARCH 20. 1917. DREADNAUGHT'S ANTI-AIR CRAFT )GUN As fast as they can be completed anti-nir craft guns, such as this one on the U. 8. battleship Pennsylvania, will he put on all vur dreadnaughts. g LAUNDRY CATCHES FIRE; COAL GAS EXPLODES Fire, originating in the basement laundry of the home of J. J. Opsahl, 1101 Bemidji avenue, about 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon, did considerable damage to the laundry but much more to the interior of the house when dense smoke poured into every nook and crevice. About’ 5 o’clock this morning coal gas exploded in a stove at the home of Frank Frost, 525 Twelfth street, and hot coals were blown out the stove and scattered throughout the room, causing much damage to the room. ROADS WANT PUBLIC T0 PAY INCREASE OF THE ADAMSON LAW _— (By United Press) Washington, March 20.—Congress will be asked to pass a law granting increased passenger and freight rates, reimbursing the roads for increased Adamson law expenses. C. C. LUNCH TOMORROW OF MUCH MOMENT At the regular weekly luncheon of the Commercial club tomorrow noon will be served ham, cabbage, corn bread and coffee. The lunch hour will be of much interest and moment as differences over telephone service so far as it affects the rural lines and the Bell office in Bemidji will be discussed. Representatives from all the- rural companies have heen invited to be present and the Bemidji office and company will be represented by Man- ager Canon of the local plant, Dis- trict Manager Lister of Duluth, Dis- trict Traffic Chief Dean of Duluth and the district plant chief. ELKS’ OPENING BALL SEASON'S SOCIAL EVENT One of the big events on the so- cial calendar for Bemidji will be the opening of the Elks’ hall Easter Monday, April 9, when a ball will be given. The hall will be beauti- fully decorated for the occasion in Elks’ colors, and the committee in charge promises that the best music obtainable will be secured for the evening. The committee conmsists of A. L. Barker, chairman; Robert Feir, R. B. Lycan, James A. Parmalee and John M. Herbert. > —3 — CAST ANNOUNCED FOR HIGH SCHOOL OPERETTA The cast of characters for the op- eretta, “Isle of Chance,” which is to be staged by the S. B. O. of the high school, has just been announced by Miss Rosa Kerland, supervisor. Miss Kerland reports that she has found much good musical talent in the high school, which assures the success of the operetta. Many of the members of the cast; have had previous experience in this kind of entertainment and these will undoubtedly make a special “hit” with their part of the performance. Unequaled enthusiasm is being shown by all the students and at- tractive posters are being made by the painting classes to put in the down town windows. Tickets will be placed on sale at once and a sys- tematic ticket selling campaign be- gun. The attractive solos and feature dances of the entertainment are in- terwoven with a light and humorous plot that is bound to increase the in- terest and add to the novelty of the operetta. The costumes which have been ordered are bright and fancy and will add greatly to the staging. The entertainment will undoubt- edly be one of the features of the sea- son. The operetta will be staged at the Grand theater Wednesday, March 28. - Cast of Characters. King Greed, King of 1Isle of Chance—Hovey Lord. Captain of Good Ship Ease—Kern Olson. Lord What's-the-Use — Maurice Witting. Lady Frivolous—Edith Mills. Simpelita—Margaret Titus. On-a-Grouch—John Cabhill. Despair-Shadow—Vernon Lamson. dWho Cares-Sailor—Walter McDon- ald. Few Cares-Sailor—Ferris Knapp. No Cares-Sailor—Earl Cochran. Spirits — Gladys Getchell and Dorothy Nangle. The Follies—Lottie French, Grace Riley, Arline Deneau, Allen Newman, Lucy Brooks, Hazel Laqua, Alice Minnick, Minnie Anderson, Lucene McCuaig, Mable Johnson, Milre Ach- enbach, Dorothy Carson, Muriel Rice, Ruth Rice, Josephine Parker, Carrie Brown. CE WITH RUSSIA FRAN London, March 20.—France has entered business relations with the new Russian government. Formal recognition is expected soon. GERMANS ARE FLEEING OVER MEXICAN BORDER| (By United Press) Laredo, Texas, March 20.—There is a large exodus of Germans through this border point into Mexico. Over 20,000, mostly Germans, passed this port of entry last week. L gustoriost 87 WILSON BEMIDJ 1 DAILY Pl N gooietY CER X EXPECTED T0 OUTLINE PLANS; NAVY YARDS RUSH WORK COMMITTEES NAMED BY BRESIDENT CLARK FOR NEW CITY COUNCIL Following are the standing com- mittees of the new city council as announced last evening by President Clark: FINANCE—Lahr, Backus, Clark. AUDIT—Lahr, Backus, Hazen. WATER and LIGHT—Smith, Mil- ler, Clark. STREETS and WALKS—Joanis, Backus, Moberg. SEWERS—Phillippi, Smart, Mil- ler. BUILDINGS—Phillippi, Smart and Moberg. FIRE—Bagley, Lahr, Hazen. PRINTING—Miller, Lahr, Hazen. SALARY-—Backus, Smith, Lahr. HEALTH—Moberg, Joanis, Bag- ley. POOR—Phillippi, Smith, Bagley. PURCHASING—Smart, Hazen and Bagley. LICENSE—Smart, Moberg, Miller. WATER OVERFLOWS WALKS Pedestrians are having a difficult time navigating today owing to the thaw which is causing melted snow to overflow walks. Hip boots and bathing suits seem to be in order. MISS DOOR TO APPEAR BEFORE TEACHERS’ CONGRESS Blanche E. Door of the English department of the high school will read a paper on “Formal English— what definite results in the mechan- ics of English should be expected from each year in high school,” be- fore the state conference of English teachers to be held at the Univer- sity April 3 and 4. DECLAMATORY CONTEST AT H. S. TOMORROW The declamatory contest to be held in the high school auditorium tomor- row evening promises much in many ways. Program will be commenced at 8 o’clock and an admittance of 15 cents will be charged. The contestants are among the best in the high school and each is prepnred to handle a topic for which he is best suited and the program is varied and interesting. It is con- fidently expected there will be a large attendance. DUKE NICHOLAS WAS BEHIND CZAR'S ACTION (By United Press) Petrograd, March 20.--Grand Duke Nicholas added greatly to his popu- larity when it became known today that he had induced the czar to abdi- cate the throne of Russia. SAILORS FLEE GERMAN VESSELS IN HARBOR (By United Press) Washington, March 20.—Two of the sailors from the German intern- ed ships, who made a jump for lib- erty, are missing. The others were captured half frozen. It is believed the captains of the interned ships connived at the escape of the men funds. Action may also be taken against | the navy vard commandant who fail- ed to prevent the escape. Believe Ten Escaped. Philadelphia, March 20.—It is be- lieved here 10 men escaped from the German ships interned here. T I T L ol "N for they were well supplied with| ARMYACTIVE (By United Press) Washington, March 20.—A state of war practically exists between Germany and the United States. Such is taken for granted in government official circles. President Wilson is expected to outline the real status of the United States-Germany relations immedi- ately. Informal negotiations are expected to begin soon. The United States army and navy is bristling with preparedness. Telegrams are pouring into Wash- ington demanding the United States declare war upon Germany. The United States, Great Britain and France will probably join in guarding trans-Atlantic ship lanes against German submarines. ..The United States has planned to protect the American coast while France and Great Britain will recip- rocate in the “barred zonme.” The New York navy yard today started working on 140 submarine chasers. Tomorrow bids will be opened for 200 more. ' Commandeering will be under- taken if needed. CABINETGMEETS LATE THIS AFTERNOON TO DISCUSS NEW CRISIS (By United Press) Washington, March 20.—It is be- lieved the cabinet will meet late to- day to consider taking action on the present crisis . INITIATION TONIGHT There will be a regular meeting of the Eastern Star tonight at the Masonic hall. Initiation will be held. ANOTHER WRANGLE IN §-HOUR LAW MEASURE (By United Press) New York, March 20.—The Adam- son law establishes the right of the government to prevent railroad strikes, railway managers are con- tending today. The brotherhoods say “nay.” FIFTEEN MISSING FROM SUNKEN STEAMSHIP (By Unitea Press) St. Johns, N. B.,, March 20.—The Red Line steamer Brayhead has been sunk and the captain and fif- teen of the crew are missing. Two died from exposure. RETREAT SLOWS UP (By United Press) London, March 20.—The German retreat on the west front has slowed up. It may be due to the bad weather or that the Germans are in a previously prepared new position. JUDGE'S SLAYER AND SIX OTHERS ESCAPE (By United Press) Birmingham, Ala., March 20.— David Overton, convicted for the mur- der of Judge Lawler and under death sentence, escaped from prison last night together with six other pris- oners. 45 CENTS PER MONTE