Bemidji Daily Pioneer Newspaper, March 2, 1921, Page 2

i s - ROBERTMILLER “The Pioneer is the only daily within 100 miles of Bemidji and has the largest circulation in Northern Minnesota. * ~* Minnesotd Weather: Generally 4 and Thirsday. Cold~ Y VOLUME XVIIL NO. 267 BEMIDJI, MINN., WEDNESDAY EVENING, MARCH 2, 1921 ¢ DEGREE MURDER Proven “Master N_lind" * Found Guilty and Sentenced . to Life Imprisonment ROBERT MILLER PROVEN “MASTER” OVER SHOOTER Verdict Returned By Jury Last(}, % Night &t 11:30 After Six Hours Deliberation = Robert Miller, who was proven to be the “magter mind” for the murder of Alfred Fenton, January 25, was found guilty of murder in the sec- ond degree by the jury, for which he was sentenced to lfe imprison- ment at Stillwater by Judge St\nton, who presided at the trial, at 1:30 this afternoon. The case occupied seven days of time and sttracted more than usual attention because the younger broth- er, George Miller, who actually did the shooting, was acquitted a week ‘ago. This case, however, is now his- tory and the state has mo right to appeal under the law. The plea made by Geunty Attorney Graham M. Torrancé, who repre- sented the state, covered, in every detail, step by step, every phase and angle of the affair. He left no stone unturned in order that justice might be meted out to the accused. He proved conclusively that Robert Miller was the master mind in the killing of Alfred Fenton. It was Robert who directed every move made by his younger brother. It was Robert who peeked from behind the haystack and watched the approach of Fenton, whom he thought was Bowman. It was Robert who said “take good aim and get him.” Tt .was Robert with whom Bowman had the quarrel or difficulty—which, together with the abindant evidence produced by the witnesses for the state under the direction of County Attorney Torrance, secured the con- viction of Robert Miller. Alfred Fenton was in the military gervice of the United States. He Was a good .citizen and a hard-working mechanic. He ‘was an only son, and leaves a_mother, a nineteen-year-old widow and baby girl to mourn his demise: He enjoyed a wide acquaint- ance in the north end of the county. where all were his friends. When the first jury acquitted the younger Miller, feeling ran highr in that sec- tion of the county, and many pro- tests were heard concerning the mis- carriage of justice. Men and women who have followed the case at the court house as the trial progressed, and who heard prgjeticplly all of the testimony have mmended the jury for doing its. full duty. They considered the fagts: as presented and permitted no feel- ing of emotion to decide the c! for them. i The twelve men who brought “ia; the verdict at 11:30 o’clock Tues- day night are gs follows: A. A. Met- zinger, Henry Anderson, A. H. Knut- son, R.'N. Holt, Frank Calvert, F. G, Martid, Ed Ludtke, H. T. Praught, ‘Lee Hiltz, R. 8. Lovering, William’ Dunkley and Charles Trodler. X M. J. Daly of Perham, C. R. and, B. C. Middleton of Baudette ap- peared for the defendant, while County. Attorney Graham M. Tor- rance prosecuted the case for the state. The case developed much legal | strategy and talent, which was dis- played throughout the entire seven. days of the trial. ; In caarging the jury, Judge C. W. Stanton impressed the jurors with the importance of the case, not only to the defendant, but to all of the people_of the state. “The case has been presented to the jury by coundel on both sides with rare ability,” said the judge. “The burden now rests with you,”continued the judge to the jury, “to declare a verdict that will meet with the conscience and the best judgment of each one of you.” The jury brought in the verdict about 11:30 p. m. after almost six hours of deliberation. . FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF TOWNER BEING LIQUIDATED Towner, N. D., March 2.—Liquida- tion of the First National Bank of Towner, closed in Decémber, is now in progress under Ole Gilbertson, farmer, as receiver. Indications are there will be considerable loss to de- positors. H. H. Bergh, former cashier, is under arrest, charged with misap- propriation of the funds of the bank. 1t is reported that there is a shortage of more than $100,000. ORGANIZER OF SOCIETY FOR CHILDREN PASSES St. Paul, March 2.—Rev. Edward P. Savage, 77, organizer of the Chil- dren’s Home society of Minnesota. died late last night after an illness of two weeks. Burial will be made at Joliet, 11, Rev. Savage has made frequent trips to this city during the time he has been agsociated with the chil- dren’s home and many friends here join in, mourning his loss. ‘GULLTY SECOND | Is/ile Bands consolidated last night into ‘Miss Ruby Leet, Miss Louise BAND BOYS ENTERTAIN "PARENTS TUESDAY NIGHT Boys in Beginners' and Juvenile Bands Givgn Excellent Concert Over'one hundred and twenty-five ‘members of the Beginners and Juven- one band and gave the parents of the members of both organizations a short concert. The parents appeared at the written invitation of Directos /| Riggs and with the members of both bands and_ their parents, the associa- tirn rooms were crowded to the doors. " %, "e performance was a very credit- "6, me, especially considering the 9, viod of time the Beginners’ been organized. By the ~ concerts are put on, the > . in a position to give . vill be greatly enjoyed time 9 bands: concert:' %, by all. 0 A parent. ‘g was held at the conclusion o1 ncert, at which Director Riggs < .sed the need of the -hearty co-op. .ation of the par- ents in order to continue the progress made by the bands up to this time. Especially is this true of the Juvenile band members, he said. The Juvenile band will meet Thurs- day evening at 7:30 for regular prac-! tice and the- consolidated band “will rehearse Saturday morning at o’clock, Mr. Riggs announces. STYLE SHOW AT GRAND THEATRE THURSDAY NIGHT Bemidji is to have a style show, where living models will be bedecked and gowned in the latest spring at- tire in order_to give its citizens an opportunity 0 see the hats and gowns to be worn the coming season. PRESSURE UPON 9 iadvisers and economic experts, {German frontier. Movement of French Troops to German Frontier RAILROADS ORDERED TO BE READY FOR TROOPS War Comcil to Meet Again This Afternoon to Plan Proposed Methods (By United Press) London, March 2.—Movement of French forces to compel German obedience to the allied reparation de- mands was approved by the Allied supreme council - today. A further session is scheduled for this after- noon to determine the part each ally will play in exerting pressure upon Germany. The allied leaders, sur- rounded by military officials, legal did not complete the war council at two ofclock this morning but adjourned until five o’clock this afternoon. Marshall Foch's programs for oc- cupation were spread before the council which was informed also of the French progress. Paris, March 2.—Railroads were ordered today to hold themselves in readiness to tramsport troops to the The order was the most important of a series issued by the military authorities to prepare The demonstration will take place‘,ldr the movement to force obedience at the Grand theatre Thursday eve- ning after the first show. _ All those| attending are requested to remain for this feature of‘the program:~ The following Bemidji young ladies have been engaged to act as the models, it is announced: Miss Ella; Anderson, Miss Frances McManus, Miss Hazel Laqua, Miss Emma Klein, | Me- Cready and Miss Mabel Croon. The show will be conducted under the supervision of the Elko Hat Shop and The Wilson company, ready-to- wear store. The hats to be shown are from the Elko Hat Shop and the suits, coats and dresses may be seen to the alled reparation demands. The French forces now on the froftier are as follows: 110,000 in- fantry, three corps of cavalry; 1,000 guns, and three hundred aeroplanes. The most important of the mili- tary preparations was believed to be the cavalry at the Rhine bridgehead serving as a threat to the Germans before the actual advance is begun. PLAN CAMPAIGN FOR RELEASE OF DEBS Chicago, March 2.—A campaign for the release of Eugene V. Debs later at The Wilson ready;to-wear store. ey RALPH GRACIE LEGION TO MEET TOMORROW EVENING All membeérs -of the Ralph Gracie post of the American Legion are urg- ed fo be in' attendance at the ad- joutfied meeting to be held tomorrow mg?i at the fooms of the Civic and Commerce association. ' Discussion will _be held concerning the boxing ‘it is expected that information will ‘He ‘recetved from the -state athletic and all other political prisoners will he mapped out by the national ex- écutive committee of the socialist party in Boston March 5, it was an- nounced at headquarters here yester- day. Tentative plans were submit- ted to Debs before his prison privil- eges were denied, and received his full approval, the announcement sald. SOVIET RUSSIA PLANS ghow schedu ed for March 11, and . | - commission “prior to that time. Plaus ‘will be completed for the ‘membership drive to be put on for the mext ‘several weeks, and commit- ‘tées for this purpose will be appoint- dd. ' All standing committees will ‘Be- called upon for a report at this. ime ‘and/ it 8 expected that many’ ‘important topics will be brought up. [Following the business meeting a -90ctal session and a lunch will be en- ;Dyvd. . DATE FoR PENALTIES '~ " ON TAXES IS EXTENDED “St. Paul, - March 2.-—Governor Preus yesterday signed a bill extend- ing to April 1 the date when penal- ties Jor ‘the nonpayment of personal 'property taxes are to be levied. The measure passed the house Momday and the senate Monday night. The present law fixed March-1 as the final date. ’ INDEPENDENT MEMBERS . INN.D.FAVOR RECALL June 15 Is Date Set for Recall Election and Measures to ~ Be Initiated (By United Press) Bismarck, N. D., March 2.—Inde- pendent members of the legislature, to hold the action of the committee of 21 in Fargo last week in recalling the nonpartisan officials of the state, voted last might for a recall aiter much opposition was voiced. The precinct meeting to have been held at Devils Lake March 23 to select candidates for the offices to be af- fected by the recall wiil be held March 16, and the district meeting will be held March 18. Jume 15 is ithe date set for the recall election. ' Independents insist upon the re- | call not only of the governor, attor- | ney-general, and commissioner of ag- culture, but also of the secretary of state, state auditor and three mem- bers of the supreme court. Measures will be initiated at the same time changing the personnel of the indus- trial commission, limiting the in- dustrial program to activities al- ready begun and establishing a rural credit system to take over the work of the state owned bank, (By United Press) » Waghington, March 2.—Military oftenses simultaneous with attempts at reparation in European countries will be started by Soviet Russia, ac- cording to military reports here to- day. . A campaign will be launched to further Soviet plans for Bolshevism. A Russian plan in European coun- tries in connection with the Bolshe- vik drive against ‘Poland in the spring of last year failed and Mos- cow made plans for the revolution. ASSOCIATION ENDORSES SCHOOL BOARD ACTION :Refolution Passed Asking g School Board to Insist on Hiring of Local Labor \ _ The Civic and Commerce associa- tion went on record this noon and en- Supreme Council Approves of | dorsed the action of the school board in accepting the plans of constructing a high school building including both a gymnasium and auditorium. Dr.-J. T. Tuomy, member of the board, and Dr. E. H. Smith spoke of the plan in detail and expressed de- sire that the citizens should declare themselves in order that the best kind of school might be secured for the Imoney expended. The monthly fire report of Firc Chief Dailey was read and a talk on fire prevention was made by Richard B. Hewett of Detroit. He called at- tention to'the many careless ways in which fires are started and urged edu- cation on fire prevention among the school children. Missionary W. S. Cummings gave a short and interesting talk with re- gard to the religious work being done throughout this section and presented a chart showing the location of church and ‘Sunday school activities by the several dénominations. The association passed a resolution asking the school board to embody in its contract for the new building a clause which would compel the con- tractors to engage local labor as far as practicable. The matter of Soo Line express now i being carried through to Thief River i Falls from Bemidji to points between the two cities were referred to the traffic committee of the association. MUNICIPAL PARK BOARD HOLDS ANNUAL ELECTION Bids for Construction of Bath Houses at Diamond Point to Be Asked for The annual election of officers for the park board was held last evening at the regular meeting. Officers elected are as follows: president, Charles Warfield; -vice-president, Jo- seph Bisair; secretary, Nat Given; at- torney, H. L. Huffman; superintend- ent of parks, George T. Baker. It was decided to ask for bids for the constructiof of the bath houses at Diamond Point. There are to be two alternate bids, one for the con- struction of the bath house complete and another for the construction of the two wings only. It was thought that if the cost of the construction of the entire struc- ture would be too Jarge, the wings could be built and “used this season and the main structure connecting the wings could be built later, TO ASK~HIGH COURT TO TO RECONSIDER DECISION ‘Washington, March 2.—The su- preme court is to be asked to recon- sider its decision holding secondary boycotts illegal, William Johnston, president of the International Associ- ation of ‘Machinists, announced Tuesday. Mr. Johnston said the pe- tition was being prepared and would be presentid as soon as com- pleted. The court’s decision reversed low- er court decrees refusing the Duplex Printing Press company injunctions restraining members of the machin- ists ‘association from exerclsing co- ercive pressure upon prospective pur- chasers of the company's press. JUDGELANDIS * IS OFFICTALLY UNDER CENSOR House Judiciary Committee Will Recommend Investiga- tion of Position of Landis COMPLETE PROBE IS URGED BY COMMITTEE ball Job Is Serious Impropri- ety and Hinders Duties (By United Press) Washington, March 2.—Judge K. M. Landis of Chicago was officially censored today by the house Jjudici- ary committee because he is holding the two offices of federal judge and arbitrator for organized base ball. The committee, with but one dis- senting vote, declared that his ac- ceptance of the base ball position while remaining on the bench con- stitutes a serious impropriety and hinders the performance of his of- ficial duties. ' facts surrounding Landis’ activities with a view to learning: whether or not impeachment proceedings should be pressed will be recommended to the new congress, if such an investi- gation is ndt made by the present congress. SHORTAGE OF SEED IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEFT (By United Préss) Roseglen, N. D., March 2.—Short- age of* seed is believed to have caus- ed the unusual amount of wheat stealing around here this winter. One man named Warner lost 400 and an- other 250 bushels, stolen from gran- aries in the fields. COUNTY BUILDS UP BIG LIBRARY IN FEW MONTHS (By United Press) Plentywood, Mont., March 2.—The county superintendent of Sheridan county started a library last fall with only a few books. The library now includes 1,800 hooks and,’has 1,200 borrowers. MINOT LEGION QUINT WINS i OVER ST. PAUL AGGREGATION | Minot, March 2_The Minot Le- sion basket ball quint defeated Com- puny G of St. Paul here last night by a score of 39 to 28. ALFRED SMITH IS BEING TRIED IN COURT TODAY In district court this afternoon, Robert. Miller was sentenced to life imprisonment by Judge Stanton and immediately following the imposing of the sentence, the case of the State fof Minnesota vs. Alfred Smith was tarted. Smith is charged with the abduction of a young girl last sum- mer. W. N. Weber will act as coun- sel for Smith and the case will be prosecuted by County Attorney Gra- ham M. Torrance. The jury was being chosen this afternoon at time of going to press. — - —— GOODNESS+ WE.SEEM TO ge 60!N(§ (;;P GROCERI ES, SHOES (Copyright) In The Skyscraper Class Declares Acceptance of Base-! A complete investigation of all the ! Walter Goyne BelieVed to Be Holding Back to Let Heavy Sleigh Break Trail (By United Press) The Pas, Man., March 2.—Walter Goyne of St. Paul and Sam Treteau of Grand Rapids, Man., were battling for the lead in the gnnual Hudson Bay Dog Derby early today, accord- ing to Indian runners reaching here. At the head of the seven teams which left here shortly before noon yestarday, Goyne and Tetreau are breaking trpil in a heavy blizzard. They are belleved to have reached the Flin Flon mines, one hundred mikes northeast of here, before dawn, but no runners have come through om that point with that informa- tion as yet. Flin Flon is the turning point in the race. Irom there, the entrants will return here. The last reports stated that Tetreau was in the lead by from four to five miles over Goyne, the only American entrant in the derby. Goyne is traveling light, with ngne dogs and the lightest sleigh possible and is believed to be holding back to let Tetreau break the trail with his heavier outfit. The two hundred mile course is the hardest race in the world, test- ing the strength of dogs and men to the limit. The annual 4Q0-mile Al- askan race is run only ten hours a day, the teams stopping at night to i rest. PETROGRAD IN HANDS OF REBELS. REPORT STATES (By United Pfess) Hensingfors, Finland, March Petrograd Is in the hands of rebels, according to dispatches recelved here. The report stated that a re- wlt began February 2, and increas- ed daily in violence until the main |parts of the eity were in the hands {of militarists, eailors, soldiers and strikers. Siberian troops are said to have been ordered from the Finnish frontier to suppress the rebels. The revolt began February 23, it was stated, when a band of starving men stormed the ecity. DEAN EMERITUS APPEALS FOR FUNDS FOR CHINESE (By United Press) Minncapolis, Mareh 2. —“The greatest tragedy since the dawn of time is being enacted in China,” John F. Downey, dean emeritus of the University of Minncsota, appeal- ing for funds to relieve starving, disease ravaged Chinese in the five northern provinces of the “‘flowery kingdom.” “No other catastrophe in the his- tory, of mankind can compare with it,” he said. “Poor creatures are dy- ing at the rate of 15,000 a day. MOOSE LODGE ELECTS OFFICERS FOR YEAR The Moose lodge held: their annual electicn of officers last night after initinting a large class into the 1ysteries of Moosedom. The officers clected are as follows: Dictator, G. W. Harnwell: vice-dictator, James T. Davis; prelate, Joseph E. Harris, treasurer, Arthur Davids trustee for three years, J. P. Lahr; C. B. HNoyt, secretary, holds his office over | qurygg the school year, AFFECTS STATE AID IN COUNTY State Department of Education Prepares Data on Request of Representative PROTESTS AGAINST BILL CAUSE INVESTIGATION Changes to Affect This County Are Outlined in Full By State Department In response to a number of pro- tests received by Representative A. E. Rako, of the 62nd district of Min~ nesota, againgt House File No. 144, which is known as the bill of the department of education, Mr. Rako bas gone into the matter quite thoroughly for the benefit of the readers of The Ploneer, and George . Selke, inspector of schools, has pre- | pared the following data for ~him !relative to the eflect\the passage of {the bl would have™ on Beltrami county. “In compliance with your request for a statement of the provisions of House File No. 144, that will be of interegt to the people of your com: munity, 1 am answering as follows: “State aid according to the pro- posed law shall be for the following | purposes: ‘ | *To assist in providing equal edu- cuational opportunities for all the children of the state. “To assist in establishing certain generally accepted minimum stand- ards for all the public schools of the state, ! “To assist school alstricts whose tax levies for maintenance are ex- i ceptionally high. “To stimulate educational progress by grants of state aid for superior efficiency and high standards and for desirable eilucational undertakings not yet generally established. “To provide for the maintenance of teacher training departments in high schools, “A section that will affect Beltra- mi county is that which will assist school districts with-a high tax levy or a low assessed valuation under the following plans: “To assist school districts with high tax levy. To any school distriet whose tax levy for maintenance lies hetween 20 and 32 mills, the state shall pay as supplemental ald one- third of the excess above 20 mills. If the tax levy fdr maintenance ex- ceeds 32 mills, then, in addition to the above amount, the state shall pay as supplemental aid onc-half of such excess above 32 mills, provided that no school district shall recelve supplemental ald equivalent to more thun $200 for each elementary teacher employed and $250 for each high school or special teacher em- ployed; provided further that the school districts maintaining only un- graded elementary schools, it a 20 mill tax levy does mnot raise the equivalent of $690 for each teacher employed for at least seven months then the for another. year, the office of see-igiate board of education at its dis- retary carrying a three year term. CHICAGO OPERA COMPANY HAS RIVAL AT PORTAL, N. D. (By United Press) Parshall, N. D., March 2.—Wh- cago Opera company bas nothing on the Portal archestra for while the former has its Mary Garden the lat- ter hoasts Miss Adella Sandberg, di- rector, ELKS LODGE WILL HOLD MEETING TOMORROW NITE The Bemidji lodge of Elks will meet in, regular session tomorrow night and it Is urged that all mem- bers be present. Officers will be elected and other important matters will be taken up. 'BRITISH LABOR PLACES FAITH IN LLOYD GEORGE Startled By “Bluff”’ Now Being Exchanged (By United Press) London, March 2. (By Lloyd Al- len.)—Broad hints that the action | of th% council will be reviced relative to the reparation program demanded lof Germany, were issued from Brit- ish labor headquarters today. 1t was hinted that direct action 'might be attempted by the allies to compel Gerpuun acceptance of the al- lied terms. Labor leaders declared that they | were neither startled by the rattling of the sword nor the German counter proposals. In their opinion the al- lies and the Germans are exchang- ing Dbluffs. Labor leaders expect a compromising solution of the present problem and they are certain that Premier Lloyd George will guide #the allied ship of stat from trou-' bled waters.” cretion may grant to such school dis- drict an amount, which together with tne-proceeds of a 20 mill tax levy, will give such school district the equivalent of $600 for each teacher employed as herein provided. Such state ald shall in no case ex- ceed the equivalent of $200 for each such teacher employed, but shall be in addition to all other state aid in- cluding supplemental aid as other- wige provided in this section. “Beltrami has many school dis- tricts in which the school tax for maintenance i8 high. According to last year's tax levies 54 districts will benefit under such provisioms. “The section which provides as- sistance to districts for the school at- tendance of isolated pupils is also of importance to Northern Minnesota. This provision ‘will empower the state board of education to grant to school districts not to exceed $50 for the transportation or board of such school children of school age as re- side beyond a reasonmable walking _distance from the mearest public school. According to statistics from Beltrami county 28 school districts Leaders Declare They Are Not :oporicd 73 children who did not at- tend school because of the distance lived from school. “A special feature of the bill is the recognition of the need for more supervision of rural schools. The (Continued on Page 6) | WILKINSON BANK BILL IS RESTORED IN HOUSE By United Press) St. ]"im(!,yMch?lg 2.—The Wilkin- son bill, providing for the establish- ment of co-operative banks in Minne- gota, was restored to general order in the house of thé state legislature |today after having been once killed i by the cammittee on banks and bank- ing. | 1t was voted to return the bill to the house after hearing bankers and others offer their opposition to its passage. Representative Wilkinson moved consideration of the bill and a vote of 73 to 28 was obtained,