Bemidji Daily Pioneer Newspaper, May 1, 1917, Page 2

i i i W \ \ -Up-to-fhe-Minute Dispatches by the United Press---Greatest After THE BEMIDJI DAILY Pl VOLUME XV. NO. 107. PEOPLE MUST PAY FOR NEW BRIDGE; BCND ISSUE IS SEEN; MONEY OUT o ' BEMIDJI. MINNESOTA. TUESDAY EVENING. MAY 1, 1817, W0 INTERESTING FEATURES OF COUNGIL MEETING _— Gitymfiflflun OF WRONG FUND the RestRoom; Another Piece of “Legality” Discov- _ered in Taking Money From Per- manent Improvement Fund. NO MORE BIG HOSPITAL BILLS FOR MEANDERING SICK PEOPLE Chief Makes Quarterly Report On Time; Commended; Other Mat- . ters Before Council. A look ahead toward a bond issue for -the payment of the new bridge was taken by the city council last night in ihe report of an estimate by the city engineer for the cost of the bridge and paving the approaches, walks, curbs, gutters, etc., in fact a complete job. The contract price of the bridge was $22,772 and the estimate for the work to be done outside the actual bridge construction brought it up to $29,839, plus five per cent for engi- mneering which added $1,491.95 more. Another bit of legality or illegality, or whatever it is, was touched upon by bringing out that the warrants in payment for the bridge have been drawn from the permanent improve- ment fund of the city, whereas the money should have come from the general fund. In the matter of naming a street Benefit of Al The question of the mainten- ance of the Bemidji rest room was settled by the council last evening, when Alderman Hazen moved that the city pay the rent of the rest room for the next six months’ period and thus do away with the burden on a few progressive business* men, and Alderman Smart supported Ha- zen. It was voted to appropriate the sum of $35 monthly during the summer for the support of the rest room. Heretofore the city has paid $10 per month and the Commercial club has paid the rest, the rent of the room and the services of Mrs. Thomp- . son being $35 in summer and $40 in winter. The room is for the conven- ience of all comers to Bemidji to shop, trade or on a visit and is for ALL Bemidji and a few have been digging into their pockets to support it. Alderman Hazen asserted the room was for the benefit of ev- erybody in the city ana be- lieved the city should support it. A A A AN AAAAAAAAAANAAAAAANAL liquor without a license—3 cases. One case committed to the county superintendent William Krause was}iag) fof ten days. the only applicant for the position, but ‘there had been no salary or com- Ppensation- set other than that by the ©old council and the question of an ap- pointment and compensation took up quite a long time, when it was de- cided toset the compensation at $3 per day actual working time and let the question of the appointment go over until next meeting. Pauver Bills High. Another important matter dis- cussed was that of the cost of the care of the paupers, attention being called to the constant increase in the expense to the city. It was pointed out that frequently the city health physician sent pauper patients to the hospital and that big bills would be presented to the council and allowed when the poor committee of the council didn’t know anything about the cases. It was asserted that fre- quently the patients were not resi- dents of Bemidji and it was asserted that unless it was a case of an opera- tion of serious the cases should be sent to the poor house and kept there while being treated, instead of the city paying hospital bills for them. The city physician will be notified to that effect and hereafter must con- sult the poor committee before send- ing pauper patients to the hospital. Some needed clothing for the pau- per charges was ordered purchased. Complaint was uttered concerning the practice of leaving wagons and autds on the paved streets all night, causing the street sweeper to have to move them and entailing considerable delay in the work of cleaning the streets. It is the intention to notify all car owners and all others to cease this practice. E. J. Willits was granted permis- sion to hold a public sale of farm products to be brought to Bemidji by farmers and all interested, at the foot of Third street, and if the initial effort is successful a special place will be designated for such affairs. Mr. Willits addressed the council and in his remarks stated his belief that such sales would bring large num- bers of farmers to Bemidji on sale days, once each month. The delayed annual report of the city clerk was read. Chief Ripple presented his quar- terly report as provided for in the city charter whereat Alderman Dahr when he moved the acceptance of the deport commended the chief for be- “ ing the only one to have his report in as provided. The report was as follows: Renort of Pelice. Number of arrests for drunkenness —14 cases. Amount of fines paid—$60.00 Amonnt of bail forfeited—$25.00. Total amount of money received by the city—$85. Number of arrests for disorderly conduct—14 cases. Amount of fines paid—$145. Amount of bail forfeited—$20. Total amount of money received by e city—$165. One arrest for grand larceny and case dismissed. One arrest for vagrancy, sentence suspended and ordered out of city. One arrest for highway robbery; ‘bound over to the grand jury. Number of arrests for selling Two cases dismissed. One arrest for non-support; case given ninety days in county jail. Thirteen Gambling Cases. Number of arrests for gambling— 13 cases. Amount of fines paid—$75. Amount of bail forfeited—$5. Total amount of money received by the city—$80. Three cases to ing. Number of arrests for violation of the traffic ordinance—14 cases. Amount of fines paid—$55. Amount of money received by the be tried, still pend- city—$66. Three cases to be tried, still pend- ing. Total amount of money received by the city in all cases—$385. Blood Granted Privilege. William Blood was granted the right to conduct a soft drink stand and sell cigars, etc, at Diamond Point, he to take care of the city bath houses. He will be granted po- lice powers to maintain order. Two ordinances, one governing the question of speaking on the streets and public places and the other the promiscuous throwing of bills around the streets were read for the second time. Morris Kaplan was present at the meeting up to this point and asked as a citizen that he be furnish- ed with a copy of each ordinance. His request will be granted. The bonds of city officials as pre- scribed were read and approved. The bond of City Engineer Swinson will have to be changed as it called for street superintendent also. Reports of estimates for work to be done at the city pumping station were also received and filed. Clean Septic Tank. Joseph Hahn was given the job of cleaning the septic tank at a bid of $400. It used to be the practice to clean the tank every six months at $200 per for the work, but it has been over a year since the tank was cleaned. All city officers were ordered to have their quarterly reports in by next meeting. Given Vacation. Driver Zacharias of the fire de- partment was granted a two weeks’ vacation peginning today. The offi- cers and fire department drivers re- ceive two weeks vacation each sum- mer and Zacharias will take his now to work on his farm in the interests of reducing the h. c. of L The city attorney was instructed to notify the Great Northern to prop- erly place its tracks at the crossing of the G. N. and Soo lines at the west line of the city. It was stated this was ordered done last year but never attended to. The committee reported favorably on the estimate of City Engineer Swinson with reference to the claim for extra work on the part of Con- tractor Jenkinson who graded Doud lavenue, and the extra bill of Mr. Jen- kinson will 10t be allowed. It was originally for $150 and later cut in half. Will Name Streets. Alderman Joanis called attention (Continued on Page Four) KX KK KKK KKE KKK BOOSTERS BANQUET Next Monday evening at the Hotel ..arkham, the citi- zens of Bemidji will give a banquet in honor of Senators Nord and McGarry and Rep- resentatives Miner and Pen- dergast. A highly entertaining pro- gram is being prepared and arrangements are completed that will make this the gala festivity of the year. Every man, who feels any sense of appreciation for the services these men have rendered, should be present. Owing to the limited facili- ties, reservations should be made early with Secretary Geier of the Commercial club. *kk k kK * x * * * * * KAk Ak Ak khk kA kk kA kkkkkk K kk ok kok Kok ok ok ok ok HH KKK KKK KKK KK PEAGE OFFER ONTHURSDAY BY GERMANY (By United Press) The Hague, May 1.—Cancellor von Hollweg will make a peace offer in the Reichstag Thursday, the Ber- liner Tagblatt anhounces. Germany is believed to be torn with strikes and discontent over food and rations and a demand for a greater participation in a popular government. It is believed the lead- ers have decided upon a peace move with little hope of acceptance by the entente. The chief object is to unite the facidions as was the peace move last December. PRESENT 1918 BANNER The members of the Bemidji junior high school have presented to the school a large maroon and gold ban- ner bearing the inscription *“1918.” The members all wore their class col- ors and sang songs and gave their class yells. They also hoisted their flag bearing the date 1918, which flag was later taken by the seniors, but later returned to the junior class. REGULAR DRILL BY AUXILIARY TONIGHT Regular, drill of the local company will be held this evening at the usual time and place. A bigger turnout than ever is ex- pected as Governor Burnquist’s new ‘action in regards to supplying equip- Good Laugh is Enjoyed When SmartSays0.K. Members of the city counecil and spectators as well enjoyed a good laugh last evening at the expense of Alderman Smart when the application of Swanson & Erickson for a license to sell cigarets was presented. The application was about to be granted, when it was discov- ered the license committee had not approved the application. It so happens Alderman Smart is chairman of that com- mittee and the application was referred to him. There was no objection to granting the li- cense as it is provided for and was in correct form, but Alder- man Smart loves a cigaret like the Kaiser does King George of England, and the expression on his face when he affixed his sig- nature of approval caused a hearty laugh on all sides. TWO MEN ARRESTED FOR DUNN MURDER (By United Press) +~8St. Paul, May 1.—Detectives have arrested two men in Montana who say Frank B. Dunn paid them $6,- 000 to kill Mrs. Dunn who was slain as she slept in this city last Thurs- day. The police say the men deny the killing. The police are still holding Dunn. The names and place of the arrest of the men are being kept secret. BOOSTERS OUT TODAY ON JEFFERSON ROAD Attired in old clothes, warm wear, armed with shovels, hoes, rakes, axes and implements such as come handy in road improvement work, about 100 boosters this morning embarked in about 25 autos and set sail for the Jefferson Highway to improve the stretch between Bemidji and Solway. The contingent met aiL the city building and lost no time in getting on the job. Each of the workers carried lunch and coffee kas served them at noon. The task of putting the stretch of road in question will require more than one day's work, according to those in position to know but the work done today will go a long way ment and substinence to men on ac-|toward putting the highway in a sat- tive duty will affect the local orga-isfactory condition and more work nization to a great extent. lwm be done later. First Step Taken to Form RedCrossChapter;Directors Named;OfficersElectedSoon A most enthusiastic gathering was held in the club rooms of the library yesterday afternoon, immediately af- ter the adjournment of the Woman’s Study club, for the purpose of organ- izing a Red Cross chapter. Members of the Study club and many other women of the city who are interested in the patriotic work, were present. The preliminary blanks, authorizing the women of this city to start a Red Cross chapter, have been received from Washington. As soon as the officers have been elected the neces- sary papers will be forwarded to Washington and the final papers re- ceived. The chapter organized will be known as the Beltrami County Red Cross Chapter. Mrs. C. E. Battles acted as chairman yesterday after- noon. uirs. A. P. White was appoint- ed to take charge until the officers have been duly elected. Fifteen di- rectors were appointed who will meet and elect officers. The directors for one year are as follows: Mesdames G. M. Torrance, E. H. Smith, F. S. Arnold; Rev. Les- ter P. Warford and T. J. Burke. For two years—Miss Donna Lycan, Mrs. H. L. Huffman, Dr. G. M. Pal- mer, Dr. E. W. Johnson and F. S. Lycan. Three years—Dr. E. H. Smith, Dr. E. H Marcum, Mrs. W. P. Dyer, 'y - 4 1 nldrs. A. P. White and Mrs. C. E. Bat- tles. Those who joined the chapter yes- terday were Mesdames C. E. Battles, J. F. Essler, L. M. Bowers, L. F. Johnson, G. M. Torrance, A. P. White, F. S. Lycan, E. H. Smith, E. H. Marcum, W. N. Bowser, Lillian French, F. 8. Arnold, William Chi- chester, L. A. LaBaw, W. L. Brooks, K. Mclver, Harry Koors, A. M. Hayes, E. N. Ebert, L. W. French, E. J. Let- ford, R. Gilmore, P. J. O'Leary, Dee Brown, A. E. Witting, C. W. Jewett, H. L. Huffman, C. A. Huffman, A. B. Palmer, Eli Arnold, W. P. Dyer, Ma- bel Palmer, B. W. Lakin, E. H. Denu, M. A. Spooner, E. W. Johnson, M. J. Brown, J. C. Parker and Miss Donna Lyecan. A fee of one dollar is charged for joining the organization. The offi- cers to be elected are the chairman, vice chairman, secretary and treas- urer. Miss Antoinette Olson, domestic science teacher in the Bemidji schools, who was to have been pres- ent at the meeting yesterday to ex- plain the home canning campaign, as well as the campaign against flies, was unable to be present on account of the bread contest which took place at the same time. Miss Olson will be present a. the next meeting, May 14, at which time these two top- ics will be discussed. + VERBAL PYROTECHNICS FIRED IN o Vs A /& /4 45 CENTS PER MONTH UNCIL SWINSON APPOINTED CITY ENGINEER BY UNANIMOUS VOTE TURBULE Thomas Swinson is still city engi- neer but not street superintendent. According to Judge Stanton’s ruling in an action brougnt by the former city attorney, P. J. Russell, to re- strain the city from paying the com- bined salary to Mr. Swinson as city engineer and street superintendent, one person cannot hold the two offi- ces and the action of the present city council in combining the two was declared illegal, after Mr. Swinson had held the same office under the past two council administrations. That being so, it was up to the council to fill the offices and at the meeting last night Mr. Swinson was again named city engineer at a sal- ary of $6 per day working time, his selection being unanimous. The appointment of a street su- perintendent was deferred until the next meeting of the council. Saually at Times. The session last night was the most animated of any yet held by the new council, and lasted until 12 o'clock, and for a few moments it looked decidedly squally as insinua- tions, accusations and denials were hurled promiscuously with City En- gineer Swinson, Alderman Hazen and Alderman Smart playing the chief roles. . i City Engineer Swinson, his salary restrained as street commissioner and city engineer held up, presented a bill for $282 for services as engineer, being at the rate of $6 per day. Alderman Smart took exception to the bill, asserting that there had been an inspector on the bridge part of the time at $2.50 per day and he stated he couldn’'t see where Mr. Swinson was entitled to $6 per day when he did not devote his full time to the bridge where there had been an inspector. He did favor, how- ever, the deduction of the amount paid the inspector, and allowing the balance as Mr. Swinson’s bill. Alderman Lahr called upon City Attorney Brown for an opinion. The latter gave it that the charter fixed no special compensation but that he believed Mr. Swinson was entitled to a reasonable compensation for ser- vices performed. “Crazy.” Says Swinson. “Why pay for work never done ejaculated Alderman Smart. At tnis juncture Mr. Swinson took the floor and looking squarely at Mr. Smart hotely exclaimed, “If you think they all do you're crazy.” In an instant Smart was on his feet leaning over the table toward Swin- son. He started to express himself but had difficulty in doing so. He evidently knew what he wanted to say, but was so wrought up he had a tough time in saying what he want- ed and doing it in a manner befitting a council meeting, but he managed to get it out. “A man can’t sit in a drug store and around the town and earn money for the city. Don’t you think I'm crazy.” Alderman Hazen then got into the running. “The whole thing is that some persons have axes to grind. There must be some sore places. I believe Mr. Swinson is entitled to his pay, if not as street commissioner then city engineer. He's filled the same office for the past two years.” 0ld Council Wrone. Smart—*“We knew at the time when we combined the offices two years ago we were doing wrong.” Moberg—*I think Swinson is en- titled to his $100 per month and no more."” Miller—*As I understand it we have no street superintendent and city engineer now. We ought to pay him $100 per month.” Lahr—*“If it’s illegal why pay it at all?” Phillippi—*I have no objection to paying it. The question of its le- gality has been enjoined. I don't feel safe in doing so. I believe he's entitled to his pay but how to do it I don’t know."” Smart““T'll make a motion to hold out the money paid the inspector and allow the rest of the bill.” Then ensued a discussion of what had been paid the inspector and it was looked up and found to have been $72.50, which would leave $209.50 for Mr. Swinson. On the roll call after a second, the motion was lost, Smart, Moberg, Phillippi and Miller voting ‘‘aye’; Bagley, Smith, Hazen, Joanis and Clark vot- ing “nay.” Backus was absent. Smart—“Lahr voted to allow a bill for a blind woman after it e ~» NT SCEN had been held’ back for an ‘0. K.’ and never made a whimper. Now he wants to allow this bill without be- ing looked into.” Hazen Bats Again. Hazen—*I don’t see how you get it. Swinson handled the same posi- tion for two years. I could mention names and these same people have tried to turn him down. It is just as legal now as it has been for the past two years.” Smart—*If any one knows of any one having any axe to grind speak it out. No one is trying to beat him. He'll get $9.50 more than is coming to him.” ) Moberg—*I've none. I'm in favor of paying Swinson $100 per month.” Miller—*“No one can show me where I ever ground any axes.” Hazen—""This bridge business is a big joke. The bids were opened and the contract let in 30 minutes at the Markham hotel.” “Untrue.” Roars Smart. Smart jumped to his feet in wrath and roared as he shook a finger at Hazen, “By God, what you say is un- true.” Moberg—*‘We all found out the old council were fools.” Phillippi—*1 know the old coun- cil did wrong in combining the two offices, and before we get through we're going to know something more. I'm willing to pay Mr. Swinson what we have contracted to pay him.” 0il on Troubled Waters Here President Clark of the coun- cil arose “I will entertain a motion to pay the will,” he began. “I don't think we are getting anywhere this way. The city has contracted to build the bridge and the city will have to pay for it. It cannot be helpful to bring accusations. It is out of courtesy to the general public. Let's keep cool. I belleve we're all interested and that not a member of the council but has the interests of the city at heart.” \ Smart—"I'll make a motion to al- low Mr. Swinson $209.50.” And the bill was allowed. RUSS CANNON BOOM ALONG RIGA FRONT (By United Press) Petrograd, May 1.—“Extensive operations may be expected soom,” was a significant semi-official state- ment today describing the sudden re- sumption of cannon on the Riga front. JUDGE IS GENEROUS Judge Harris is a generous soul. Yesterday he handed to Frank Car- penter of Mahnomen county 115 pounds of Gold. And to make it a good one it was Pearl Gold. Now she’s Mrs. Frank Carpenter, still of Mahnomen county. . NEW P. 0. PLANS HAV ARRIVED IN BEMIDJI Plans and specifications for the new $65,000 federal building have arrived and may be sen at the post- office. The plans and specifications are very exhaustive and cover many typewritten pages. SCHOOL NURSE GIVES SECOND OF SERIES Another of the series of demon- stration lectures which are being civen at the high -school on “first aid to the injured” and ‘‘some care of the sick,” was given by Miss Bes- sie Burns, school nurse, yesterday afternoon. The lecture treated with the cor- rect handling of the patient and the use of bedside appliances. Many visitors attended the lecture. The next of the series will be given at 3:30 o’clock Thursday afternoon in the high school auditorium. Everyone is invited to attend.