The Bismarck Tribune Newspaper, August 26, 1924, Page 1

WEATHER FORECAST For Bismarck and vicinity: Fair tonight and Wednesday. ESTABLISHED 1873 THE BISMARCK BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA, TUESDAY, AUGUST TRIBUNE 26, 1924 FINAL EDITION PRICE FIVE CENTS SIX BANDITS LOOT AND WRECK BANK LOCATELLI PLANE TOSSED ABOUT ON SEA FOUR HOURS BEFORE WILBUR WITH FRIENDS IN . HOMETOWN Navy Head Finds Much of Interest in Jamestown; Tours City WILL GIVE ADDRESS Is Guest of Rotary and Ki- wanis Clubs For Day; Leaves Tonight Jamestown, N. D., Aug. 26.-Secre- tary of the Navy, Curtis D. Wilbur, came back to the home of his school days today. Jamestown, decked with flowers, and ready for a celebration arranged by the local Rotary »nd Kiwanis clubs, met the man who left here as an appointee to the United States naval academy at Annapolis. The cabinet officer made an informal talk at the joint luncheon arranged by the two clubs. Secretary Wilburis on his way to the Pacific coast where he will make a two day excursion with the United States fleet. After the luncheon, Secretary Wil- bur was the guest of the Rotary and Kiwanis clubs on a motor trip around ithe city in which he was raised. se benkers from nearby towns, who ere boys with the secretary, are in town and are having a grand time go- ing over the ‘good old days’ with their schoolmate. Leaving the twin cities yesterday after delivering an address in St. Paul and confering with E. H. Wells, Minneapolis businessman, who was % member of the committee which 40 years ago sent ‘Curt? Wilbur to the Naval Ai Secretary Wilbur, ademy, was prepared for the talks with his oldtime friends. He will deliver an address from the high school here at three-thirty this afternoon. Secretary Wilbur will leave here this evening for Helena, Mont. Secretary of Navy Curtis D. Wil- bur will pass through Bismarck to- night on number 3, enroute to Helena, Mont. and then to the Pacific coast where he will he the honored pass- enger on a two day excursion to be conducted by the navy in keeping with ‘Defense Da WILL MERELY REPORT TO COMMITTEE Fargo, Aug. 26.—The report is de that Democratic representa- ives at the conference committee of that party the Republicans, and In- dependents, charged with the bring- ing about of concerted action on the part of those three political units in the forthcoming state election, are empowered to report to the state central committee when that body meets in Bismarck next week. It is not likely that any definite action Ge will grow out of today’s action. f The conference is made up of three representatives of each unit and they were appointed to make arrangements that would permit the three groups opposing the Nonparti- san League to work in harmony for a single ticket in the general elec- tion. Liquor Launch Is Captured Galveston, Texas, Aug. 26.—The motor launch Rosalie M. of Houston with 450 cases of liquor, was cap- tured by coast guard cutters late yesterday, it became known today, when the cutters brought the launch in, QUARREL OVER TEN DOLLARS; KILL FATHER Logan, W. Va., Aug. 26,—Charlie and Obe Conley, brothers, quarrel- led over ten dollars, after Conley thefather, had intervened in the role of peacemaker. Today the father is dead, Charlie Bais in jail charged with the murder, § while Obe is nursing a broken arm. General Bryant, a frier{d of tthe family is charged with the wounding of Obe in the scuffle over the pis- tol which was used to do the shoot- ing. Great Britain To Patrol Coast Line By Sea Planes London, Aug. 26.—Great Britain's coast line will be in the future pa- trolled by powerful sea planes, each carrying a pilot, a navigator, and two machine gunners, and a torpedo for Naunching at hostile craft. Still more powerful planes are be- fing built to make longer ocean trips. An ancient Greek rule of diet was this: “Thin people should take lit- tle food and it should he fat; fat people should take much food ‘and it Jshould be lean,’ » DARROW’S GREATEST FIGHT Here is Clarence F. his long career—-his battle to save Justice John R. Cavery’s court was crowded when the “old lion” began his final argument. Despite his 67 years, he was delivering the the attraction. greatest oration of all hb room. Behind Darrow sits his ch rach ig Leopold (No. 3.) Next to who is making the last supreme e'! And Darrow did 3 46 yer Darrow, vet not disappoint n Chicago criminal lawyer, at them. at the bar. Never had a greater han is Dickie Loeb (No. 4). ‘ort to deny the state their lives. ATTORNEYS CLOSING APPEAL T0 SAVE FRANK SLAYERS FROM PAYING DEATH PENALTY Chicago, Aug. 26—Benjamin Bach- arach, who with his brother Walter, was first selected by the families of the defendants to defend the killers of Bobby Franks, was in the spot- light before Judge Caverly today. To him fell the duty of closing the case of the student defendant's plea in mitigation based on a men- tal sickness, not legal insanity. Continued interest was shown by the early filling of the courtroom, all except reserved seats being oc- cupied hours before Judge Caverly came in. Spectators came in twos and threes today instead of singly as in the past. Pleading for the future, for pos- terity, for the progress of law and for “that time when we shall realize that mercy,” is the highest attribute of man, Clarence S. Darrow, 67-year- old philosopher of the courts and foe of legal rigidity, ended yesterday his 3 day argument for the lives of Nathan F. Leopold, Jr., and Richard Loeb. Mr, Darrow brushed tears from his eyes several times as he entreated for “that noble quality of mercy with which we may eventually over- come cruelty and hate and malice with kindness and gentleness and love.” He disliked his own tears and disposed of them with as little show as possible. There was visible emotion among many of the spectators and Judge John R. Caverly flushed as he press- ed a pencil to his lips. Neither Leo- pold nor Loeb moved but they cen- tered on their aged lawyer looks of unwavering interest and the former touched Mr. Darrow’s sleeve as he passed him going out of court. Indicts Cruelty of Age He indicted the age in which we live for cruelty. He indicted the educational system under which “young plastic minds” are given the pagan philosophies of all times. He spoke with scorn of the tendency of jurists and lawyers to move in ruts of legal terminology in utter disre- gard of the advances of science and the advancement of thought. He pointed to the “wierd mental- ities” of his clients and the “irra- tional, mad and horrifying” crime which they contrived as the product, even the responsibility of ages gone. He characterized as “an ancient superstition and nothing more,” the theory that hanging is a deterrant to crime. “Hanging grew up in the age of barbarism, Moni which We are so lately come, as an exhibition—not as a punishment,” he said. He brought together in impress- ive design multi-colored threads of legal philosophical criti- cism, scientific accumulations in the field of the psychology of youth, and a liberal portion of old ‘fash- ioned soliloquy. He reached to the scriptures for inspiration and sup- port, and quoted poetry at interv in a studied attempt to bring his appeal to the heart of Judge Caver- ly, who must decide the penalty for the kidnaping art! murder of Robert Franks. Pleading for Humanity n pleading for life, for char- kindness and for humanity,” “y ity an he said. “I am pleading for the overcomi: of cruelty with kindness and love. “Your honor stands past and the future. I know that the future is with me and I am pleading for it. I am pleading for a timg. when hatred and cruelty will not control the hearts of men, when we shall realize that mercy is the highest attribute of man.” Never in the history of the local courts, Mr. Darrow told the judge, has any culprit under 24 years of age been hanged after a plea of guil- ty. “I do not know how much salvage there may be in these two poor, dis- eased minds,” he said. “It might be merciful for your honor to tie a rope around their necks and let them die now. It might be merciful to them, but certainly not to those who come after them.” The attorney denounced as “poi- soned perjury” the testimony given by one of the investigators for the state’s attorney that Leopold, shortly after his arrest, had ex- pressed a hope of escaping the hangman by .“pleading guilty be- fore a friendly judge,” Mr. Darrow said he mentioned this because he wished Judge Caverly to know that the defense had every confidence in him. There were tears in Mr. Dar- row’s eyes as with quivering voice he pictured the crumbling hopes of the parents of the boys, and the effect of the crime upon the fu- ture generations of their families. His voice broke again when he reached his peroration. Future is With Him “I know,” he said, “that your honor stands between the future and the past. For me the future means the hopes of the young. I plead for life, charity, kindness, sympathy and understanding, and the future is with me. “Your honor may hang these boys; but if you do you will make it harder for every boy and girl in this land and for the babes as yet_unborn. “My greatest, reward, hope and compensation will be that I have dcne something for the tens of thousands of boys who must follow the path these two poor young Jews have trod.” x Dozens crowded around to ‘con- gratulate Mr. Darrow as he con- cluded and court adjourned. Two. Requisition Requests Received By Gov. Nestos Gov. R. A. Nestos is in receipt of requests for the requisitions for two men: who are at present being held in North Dakota. The two requests for requisitions come from Minne- sota and Michigan. Gov. J. A. O. Preus of Minnesota has requested the requisition of Willis Canfield of Cando, N. D. His request has been denied by Nestos. The Governor of Michigan, request- ing the requisition of Ivan Jasku- laski, from Jamestown, has been granted. RADIO FOR ESKIMOS Inhabitants of places farthest north won’t be without radio enter- tainment when Denmark completes its four stations in Greenland. They won’t .be ‘powerful stations but they'll help entertain a part of the world that has not been as fortunate as thot in warmer climates. ‘ ty Uses Monkey In Pulpit To Lend Color To Sermon Butte, Mont., Aug. 26.—Rev. Collin O'Farrell of the first Baptist church used a mankey in his pulpit Sunday night to lend color to his sermon on evolution, and announced that he will use a skull when he speaks on the downfall of the American idol, Kid McCoy, alleged murderer. The church will be darkened, and the sockets of the skull will be illu- minated by candles. BARN DESTROYED Wilton, Aug. 26.—Fire of unknown origin destroyed the barn of Mike Werner early Sunday morning. Four hundred chickens, a number of tur- keys, hay, harness and some feed were completely destroyed, The loss is partially covered by insurance. As a result of smoke, Manchester, England, has an extra laundry bill of $250,000 a- year, : than F. Leopold Jr. and Richard A. ‘Loeb from the gallows. ide, Attorney Benjamin Bachrach (No. 2). Never once did their eyes leave the man between the | the climax of the greatest fight of Chief Darrow was plea ‘been made in the little court Right back of Bach- ONE MAN HELD IN ELLENDALE _ AS WITNESS Murdered Man Survived By Wife and Small Daughter, Says Report HAD FOUGHT BEFORE One man, a member of the party | who late Saturday night shot and killed Charles I, LaPlante, at Ellen- dale, after an argument in a poker game, is being held at Ellendale, ac- cording to information brought to Bismarck today by the party which accompanied the blood hounds sent from the state prison here to aid in the search for the assailants. The murder followed a poker game in which bad blood two men had been shown, according to Jons, who on the previous Thursday |night, also had a fight. LaPlante and a Jack Baly, were the two who had fought. the first fight considerably the worse off, and during Friday and Saturday had promised that he'd “get the Frenchman.” However the five men, four of whom comprised the gang, had managed to get La- Plante into another game. It is un- derstood that LaPlante had had about $250 on his person before the game. However when his body was picked up on the street, but $1.50 was found on him. The man who is being held has furnished proof that he went di- rectly to his own room after the game and that he didn’t go down stairs with the rest of the party. jHe is being held, however, as a wit- ness. A previous report that the three men fled in an automobile owned by a fifth member of the gang is untrue according to Mr. Jones, who says that the man owning the car had, on Saturday morning, driven to Aberdeen, S. D., where he had sold the car Saturday afternoon. He’ was picked up but proved that the car was no longer in his possession jand was released. Blood hounds were useless in the search, said Mr. Jones, because the trail was more than twelve hours late. LaPlante was shot at five times, three of the bullets hitting him. The three men, one of whom did the shooting, were perhaps twenty feet behind LaPlante when they shot, according to Mr. Jones and it ap- pears that they yelled at him and that he turned around and faced them. He was shot in front. People who were across the street from the scene of the shooting heard the shots and saw “French” fall and rushed to him. While they were picking him up and taking him into the hotel the three assailants ran in the opposite direction. No cars have been missed from Ellendale or vicinity, said Mr. Jones, leading authorities to believe that the assailants must either have con- tinued walking or have jumped a passing train or motor car. Farmers, townsmen, and law en- forcement officers scoured the county all day Sunday, and late into Monday before giving up the search. LaPlante is survived by a wife and a small daughter, both of whom live in Ellendale. They have resided there for about two years. Searching For Murderers Jamestown, .Aug. 26-—Sheriff George Sears, of Ellendale, Dickey county, and Jamestown police are combing the city here today in search of two of the four men who shot and killed Charles LaPlante, Ellen- dale laborer, in an argument after a poker "game here Sunday morning. Northern Pacific trainmen here, gave information that the two men had ar- rived here on a freight and were doubtless hiding in the city. All trains and roads are being carefully watched. z| It is believed that the men are try- ing to get to Carrington, - Baly had :emerged from | RATLROADSIN SHARP DEMAND FOR TAX CUTS Tell State Board of Equaliza- tion They Are Taxed Un- fairly in N. D. ALSO PLEAD POVERTY Declare That Showing on Earnings Is Such That Economy Must Be Had Railroads operating in North Dako- ta have placed their plea for a reduc- tion in taxes through lowered valua- tion before the state board of equal- ization. The representatives of the roads have come before the board with unusual emphasis this year, de- claring they are not prosperous and that they are unfairly taxed. The railroads’ ‘representatives have told the state board they are taxed higher in North Dakota than other Northwestern states, being much higher taxed here than in Wis- consin, the home of Senator LaFol- lette. The state boards’ figures are Pointed to by the, railroads. The scientific method used of figuring the railroad valuation in 1923, which wus by taking the average of the capitalization of the system net oper- ating income, on five, three and one year basis, the U. S. rental, not oper- ating income plus federal guarantee, averaged 1919-1923, capitalized at 6 Percent, and the net market value of stocks and bonds, deducting estimat- ed value of non-operating property, gives a much lower basis than that on which the roads are taxed. Higher Than Minnesota The railroads also point out that if they were taxed in North Dakota as in Minnesota—on a gross earnings basis—their tax would be cut re- markably. “In 1923 this board placed a valua- tion of $75,574,275 upon the operat- ing property of the Northern Pacific Railway Company in North Dakota,” reads the statement of that road to the state board of equalization. “The property is not worth that sum, nor is it worth for taxation any sum ap- Proaching that figure. This is ob- vtously true when it is considered that we have not, and cannot make a fair and reasonable return on that valuation.” For 1923, the road asserts, its gross revenue in North Dakota was nearly | $10,000,000 short of being enough to jenable it to produce a net return of 5 3-4 percent on its investment. “North Dakota,” said the road’s representative, “because of her geo- graphy, is especially in need of new lrailroad construction, and therefore ought to offer every inducement to such construction, and not penalize the company in the way of excessive taxes. “From North Dakota, and elsewhere comes an insistent demand for the reduction of freight rates, and noth- ing would please the railways better , than to be able to reduce the rates; but how can that be done when 91 cents out of every dollar received has to be expended in operating costs and taxes?” In concluding the road’s represen- tative, M. T. Sanders, tax commission- er declared: “North Dakota railroads cannot grow, and the state cannot reach its full measure of growth snd prosperity if the railroad companies are not permitted to earn enough to build new lines and add constantly to their facilities and equipment. Freight rates cannot be reduced to a point satisfactory alike to the rail- roads and the shippers if you take from the companies all their profits by way of taxation. We ask that our valuation for 1924 be reduced materially from that of 192 Spend Too Much North Dakota’s difficulties with re- spect to taxation, declared James T. Maher, right of way, land and tax commissioner, are that the state is spending too much money. “North Dakota is trying to do in @ few years what it has taken sister states like Iowa, Minnesota and III- inois, a great many years to accom- plish,” he said. “Then, too, there are no great reservoirs of wealth to draw. on outside of the railroads, light and power companies and like corporations. In other words North Dakota is ‘trying to keep up with the Jones.’ If we want paved streets, cluster lights, arterial highways, fine state and county buildings, good schools (and we should have good schools) we must pay for them. If we put the state in the business of operating elevators, packing plants and banks, we must pay for these en- terprises, but let us get at the facts and stop charging the other fellow with evading his taxes until we know the real situation.” The Soo line, in addition to com- plaining of the valuation in general, declares its lines in North Dakota are assessed too high in comparison to other roads. “It has come to pass that the rail- road representatives who appear be- fore this board no longer discuss the right of sufficient net earnings to warrant further expansion; now in desperation they are mostly concern- ed with the privilege of continuing operations on the actual basis of ex- penses,” said the Soo line statement. Soo Line Reduction A material reduction in the valua- tion of the Soo line for 1924 taxa- tion is justified, it was declared. The road’s representative declared it had (Cntinued on page four.) RESCUERS LOCATE GRANT CO. TO FEATURE CORN AT BIG FAIR Carson, N. D., Aug. 26.--Grant County will hold its annual fair on September 10, J1, and 12, according ment made by the r Association. Prizes ave already been an- nounced and the management hopes to have a record breaking number of entrants. With crop conditions the best they have been for several 5 it is expected that the exhibits will be of a very high order. A special feature of the program of the fair is the special purse offered for corn exhibits, UNDER BAN AT CAMP CUSTER Thirty-Five Persons Staging Demonstration on Reser- vation Under Arrest Battle Creek, Aug. 26.—Thirty-five persons are in the guard house of Camp Custer here, placed there last night after a detachment of the guard with Gen. George Mosely, commanding officer in charge, broke up a gathering of klansmen on the southern part of the military res- ervation. Any further meetings of the Klan or similar organizations on the res- ervation will be similarly dealt with said the general. Those taken into custody are to be questioned today. Many of them‘ are said to have been but spectators to the meeting. WARM WAVE SWEEPS OVER ENTIRE STATE Fargo, Aug. 26.—The warm wave, which yesterday resulted in the highest temperatures of the year for several North Dakota and Min- nesota towns is expected to be brok- en today. The temperature reached 92 in the shade here yesterday aft- ernoon. Wilson Receivership Halts Buying; Chicago, Aug. 26.—Stagnation in the cattle market resulted today in the withdrawal of Wilson and com- pany from buying. Other large pack- ers then refrained from buying, but | the demoralization is suid to be only temporary, and that Wilson and Company would again be in the mar- ket. Innkeeper Dies From Burns Detroit, Minn., Aug. 26.—Mrs. D. G. Canfield of Shoreham, Minn., proprietress of Shoreham Inn, died in a Detroit hospital early today of burns received when a gas tank on a laundry mangle exploded fwhile she was filling it. She came to Shoreham a few months ago from | Fargo. FLOGS CHILD \ WITH BOARD Bluefield, W. Va. Aug. Charged with flogging his fami six children, beating the four-year- old child with a board, and making them all do the work of adults in the corn fields, Quince Perdue, wealthy farmer of McDowell county was at liberty on bonds today pend- ing the opening of court here. Station WHN, New York, has sub- stituted storage battery power for its generators. o—_—___ -_____________ ‘ Weather Report i ——— For 24 hours ending at noon. Temperature at 7 u. m. . Highest yesterday Lowest yesterday Lowest last night .. Precipitation . Highest wind velocity . WEATHER FORECASTS For Bismarck and vicinity: tonight and Wednesday. cooler tonight. For North Dakota: and, Wednesday., night. General Weather Conditions The low pressure area now covers the -upper Mis: pi Valley and Manitoba while a high pressure area is centered over the Rocky Mountain | region. Showers occurred at Huron, S. Dak. and at a few Canadian sta- tions but elsewhere over the region the weather is generally fair. Cool- er weather prevails over the’ north- ern Rocky Mountain region while elsewhere temperature changes have , been unimportant. Orris W. Roberts, Meteorologist. Fair Slightly Fair tonight Slightly cooler to- Men Sick and Fatigued Hauled Ashore by Line — Discovery of Air Craft One of Many Dramatic Events in Around World Flight On Board the cruiser Richmond, Aug. 26.—Discovery late last night of the Italian seaplane piloted by Lieut. Locatelli, and the rescue of Ke four occupants after it had toss- ed about for more than four hours was a dramatic feature of the world flight. The Richmond, flagship of Rear- admiral MacGruder of the American world flyers, was putting out to sea for the night after a fruitless search, when at 11:45 lights were seen and the course was changed in the direc- tion of the lights.” Bobbing On Water It was after midnight when plane was scen bobbing on the water, and was picked up by the Richmond search light at a point 125 miles due east of Cape Farewell, the south- ern most point on the coast of Green- land. As the Richmond drew near the plane, a line was thrown to them, the plane was hauled astern, and the flyers taken on board, suffering from sea sickness and fatigue, which soon disappeared under the influence of coffee and sandwiches. The wings and the steering apparatus of the craft had been injured. The craft was destroyed, and the effects of the destruction could be seen in the eyes of the flyers who had traveled in it from Pisa, Soon after being cut loose, the tank exploded, and the seaplane sank. Considered A Miracle The finding of the seaplane in these waters after it had drifted be- yond the probable zone searched by the American naval vessel is regard- ed as_miraculous. It had been send- ing up rockets every three hours, and the supply was almost exhausted, Lieut. Locatelli, who was on watch as the rocket ascended, remarked: “Oh, whats the use,” but a few min- utes later they saw an answering signal from the Richmond. It was.a dramatic scene when ‘the vessel approached. Admiral MacGru- der, officers, and crew lined deck, every eye trained upon the d abled craft as it rose and fell with the waves, while motion picture oper- ators worked their cameras. Crossio, soon after climbing up the sea ladder to the deck, stretched himself wearily, and then said “Alls well that ends well.” Locatelli watched grimly while the plane was being destroyed. The two engineers suffered’ the most, being seasick. Locatelli said he had been forced down by minor engine troubles, and unacquainted with the rough north- ern seas, had landed heavily, smash- ing two trucks, and damaging the rudder stabalizer. Sea Too Rough Unable to take off owing to the roughness of the water, Locatelli and Crossio sang Italian songs, and made light of the situation, to keep up the mens courage. The motion of the waves, the cold, and the fog combined to make their position most uncomfortable, but there was not actual suffering. There was food for six days on the plane when it was found. When questioned whether he Had feared for the outcome, Locatelli the | shrugged his shoulders, which might be interpretated to say, “Its all in the game.” As the plane was set on fire and freed from the stern of the Rich- mond, Locatelli and Crossio watch- ed the destruction of their hopes. Only one remark was made: Locatelli said: What of the American flight? Is it over?” Two Held Upon White Slave Charge Fargo, Aug. 26.—Two alleged violators of the Mann act were ar- rested by federal authorities with- in the past four days, according to Howard Strack, chief deputy Unit- ed States marshal. The men are Walter Schneider of Jamestown and George Williams of Cando. Both men are awaiting action on the next federal grand jury. Schneider was arrested at James- town Saturday by J. J. Ryan, de- puty marshal, charged with bring- ing a young woman from Minnea- polis to Jamestown. When ar- ,taigned before Otto Weincke, Unit- ed States commissioner at James- town, Saturday, he waived exam- ination and was released on $1,000 bond. It is claimed at the federal office that Schneider is already at liberty on a $5,000 ‘bond in connec- tion with a grand larceny charge at Valley City. Williams was arrested at Cando Thursday and waived preliminary examination when arraigned before Chas. A. Varret, United States commissioner at Cando. In default of $2,000 bonds he is held in the jail at Devils Lake. Miss Betty Riley is being held in the Cass peunty jail as an important wit- ess, Exchange of speeches by radio be- tween France and America is, plan- ned as a feature of the French Ex- position in New York, April 22 to May 3, - SIX BANDITS occupants) GET $1,650 IN NIGHT RAID Loot Farmers’ State Bank of Round Lake, Minn., Cut All Wires THREATEN TO MURDER Estimated $10,000 Damage Done to Bank Building By Nitro-Glycerine Worthington, Minn., Aug. 26.—Six bandits early today broke into the Farmer’s State Bank at Round Lake after cutting off all wires leading from the city. They escaped with $1,650, $900 of which was in cash, and $750 in unregistered liberty bonds. The bandits did not touch the vault, but broke open a safe outside the vault; the bandits overlooked valuable bonds in the upper drawer of the safe. Three charges of nitro-glycerine set off about ten minutes apart, were used to open the safe. It was esti- mated that $10,000 worth of damage was done to the building and fixtures, the damage being covered by insur- ance. Only one man saw the bandits. He was a man living near the bank, who had still a light in his window. The bandits entered his room and told him to put out the light or they would “Blow his brains out.” CROP WILL RELIEVE THE NORTHWEST Fargo, Aug. 26.—The northwest this year raised a crop which will probably go a long way toward pay- ing of obligations, and will partly take care of the defaulted payments on the real estate mortgages, and taxes, in the opinion of M. L. Wilson of Washington, D. C., who was in Fargo yesterday. Mr. Wilson was for years in the} charge of the Agricultural econo- mics department at the Montana Ag- ricultural college, and was recent- ly placed in charge of farm manage- ment and cost of production division of the bureau of Economics, U. ® Richmond's i DepaiZnent of Agriculture, NO LIFE ON MARS SAYS SCIENTIST Bourges, France, Aug. 26.—‘The air of Mars is altogether too light and too rare to support such animal life as we have on our earth,” Rev. Thomas Moreaux, director of the Bourges observatory declared today, reporting on the observations of the ‘planet he had made on Saturday through his telescope of 325 di- ameter. The clergyman asserted that his vision of Mars on Saturday had been marvelous, but added that climatic conditions on the planct had obscur- ed typographical figures usually seen although in general permitting a good outline as already reported by previous observers. “If any animals are there they must be of a low order; the vegeta- tion must resemble our moss and lichens.” Dies of Cancer Killdeer, N. D., Aug. 26.—George Porter, a pioneer of this region, died here recently as a result of cancer of the bladder. Mr. Porter had been failing since 1908, and in 1921 had had an operation which for a while seemed successful. However the old disease set in again about three years ago and in spite of a strong physique he was unable to withstand the disease. Mr. Porter came to Killdeer in August, 1892 and had lived here continuously until the time of his death. TO NAME BANCROFT Washington, Aug. 26.—Edgar At Bancroft, widely known Chicago lawyer, will probably be appointed ambassador to Japan in the near future. Mr. Bancroft will succeed Cyrus Wood, who recently resigned. It i expected that the Japanese state de- partment will soon make a formal statement on the subject. STEALS PURSE WHILE SHOES ARE REPAIRED Dickinson, Aug-~26.—While L. Lenhardt was repairing a pair of shoes for a stranger, the owner of the shoes helped himself to a bill fold containing $15 in currency and some valuable papers, from Len- hardt’s coat, hanging on a hook near by. The theft was not discovered until several hours later, and no trace of the thief could be found. There are African ants that make honey. f