Grand Rapids Herald-Review Newspaper, April 2, 1898, Page 2

| ouirxerabaeeieatineds } The evald--Review,| OUTSIDE EXPLOSION By E. Kiley. GRAND RAPIDS - MINNESOTA, And yet that postal reform bill was defeated in congress in spite of all the Loud talk in its favor. The monitor Terror has four big guns, but the Puritan has ten. The Puritan appears to be a holy terror. Chicago should abandon that effort to send honest men to the board of aldermen. Honest men should be en- couraged and not tempted. A New York woman committed to memory 133,000 words in twenty weeks. She will probably use half of them in a postscript the first time she writes a letter. The man of Granville who hanged himself because his wife wouldn’t neg- lect her infant to read the Bible to him might have been tremendously good, but he surely wasn’t orthodox. Probably the Duke of Veragua could visit Chicago at present without dan- ger of embarrassment from proposi- tions in Chicago newspapers to raise funds for his support by popular sub- scription, The contractor who builds poor ves- sels for his government, or who fur- nishes poor ammunition and poor guns, is as guilty of treason as if he had gone over to the enemy, and ought to be hanged. The government pays well for its work and material, and to give In return a damaged article is to be a thief as well as a traitor. A Corning minister denounces min- strel entertainments as low and de- grading, and there is excitement in consequence because some leading citi- zens of the town propose to play in that line for charity. The essentials of these shows are fun and music, and they may be as legitimate as good act- ing and good preaching. Are we to be- lieve that because they are enjoyable they must necessarily be bad? Russia has ordered the immediate ex- penditure of 90,000,000 rubles for the construction of warships, a sum rep- resenting about $70,000,000, the pur- chase price of eighteen battleships. This does not represent a great fleet, nor will its addition make Russia a naval power of the first importance. The great significance that lies in its expenditure is the fact that to raise this amount no loan is asked, no cred- its sought for outside of Russia itself. A stranger named Rawlins appeared jn a church in Blue Ridge, Ga., on a recent Sunday, in a dress rather the worse for wear, After the services por- tions of the congregation laughed and swore at him, and finally one of them shot him dead, Then the congregation seized the murderer and hanged him. It will be seen that, while the members of this church are fastidious as to dress, they are strictly just, though perhaps a little rapid in their methods. It is announced that the currency measure which has been introduced in the Indian Legislative Council at Cal- cutta is intended to meet the extreme pressure from which the Indian money markets are now suffering. The plan provides for an issue of currency notes in India against the deposit of gold in London to the credit of the Indian treasury. In this way it is expected to supply additional circulation in In- dia and at the same time obviate the shipment of gold from England to that country, which on several occasions during the past year had been consid- ered a likely proceeding. It also facili- tates the operations of the Indian fin- ance department in connection with its gold payments in London. Judge Morrow of the United States Circuit court, San Francisco, Cal., has lrendered a decision in the suit of the ‘government against the Coal Dealers’ association of California, which de- ‘clares the organization to be illegal and dn conflict with the federal law of 1890, known as the anti-trust act. He finds that the by-laws of the trust are in violation of the law preventing unlaw- ful combinations in restraint of trade, ‘and also finds that the trust interferes with interstate and foreign com- merce. Judge Morrow says: “It ap- ‘pears to me that the constitution and ‘by-laws of the Coal Dealers’ associa- tion come within the prohibitions of ‘the anti-trust act and are therefore un- lawful” In accordance with the deci- sion the temporary injunction will be prepared by the United States District attorney, and unless the case is carried ‘to the Supreme court the business of buying and selling coal in this city will mot be interfered with by any com- ‘bine. It is doubtful if the trust will ‘appeal, as Judge Morrow’s rulings were against it on every point, and there is small hope of victory to be gained by prolonging the fight. “Libraries? They look more like bee-hives!” was the recent exclamation of a stranger, as he saw the Hon. J. H. Stout of Wisconsin locking the doors of some wooden chests, On learning afterward that this philan- thropic gentleman had, at his private expense, fitted out thirty such travel- ing libraries to circulate among Wis- consin towns, he further amplified his figure: ‘Yes, bee-hives! for it is not the honey a man eats, but that which he hives for others, out of which he gets true happiness.” } CAUSED THE DISASTER TO THE WARSHIP MAINE. Spanish Government, Notified That the Court of Inquiry Has Come to This Conclusion—Spain in Turn Notifies This Government ‘That the Spanish Court Holds the Dis- aster to Be of Internal Origin—A Day of Profoundly Important Action — The Cabinet Considers the Long-Locked-For Report— Court Unable to Fix the Respon- sibility — Warlike Prepartions Proceed With Uaprecedented Viger. Washington, March 27. — The court of inquiry appointed to investigate the cause of the Maine disaster has re- ported that the loss of the battleship was due to an outside explosion. The state department, by direction of the president, has cabled United States Minister Woodford at Madrid to notify the Spanish government of this conclusion, The president and his cabinet advisers held two extend- ed sessions yesterday, one at 10:30 a. m., and another at 3:30 p. m., at which the report was considered in detail. Members of the cabinet stated after the meeting that the discussion was of a grave character, and that never since the wrecking of the Maine has the situation seemed so critical. ‘Ine Spanish government has cabled of- ficially to Washington that the Span- ish naval commission holds the disas- ter to the Maine to be of internal ori- gin. The government of Spain, it can be stated positively, is not disposed to turn back the torpedo flotilla now pro- ceeding from the Canaries, and would be disinclined to consider a suggestion from this government tending to inter- fere with the disposition by Spain of her own naval forces. War preparations on dented scale is being Hurried to Completion by the war and navy departments and the country is practically on a war footing. The foregoing gives the rec- ord of one of the most eventful days the national capital has seen since the close of the civil war. It was a day of profoundly important action, of the deepest a ty coupled with navai and military activity one step follow- ing another in rapid succession. Rep- resentative men of the administration, public men in all branches of otticiat and congressional life, no less than the public in general shared in the tension to which the situation has been wrought. There was no effort among the highest officials, nor, indeed, was it possible from what was clearly ap- parent in the developments of the day to minimize the situation. Viewed in detail, the findings of the court of inquiry was the most vital future. Commander Marix, judge ad- vocate of the court of inquiry, deliv- ered the report to Secretary Long early in the morning, and shortly after it was carried to the White House and placed in the hands of the president. At 10:50 the cabinet assembled, half an hour earlier than usual, and began the consideration of the momentous document. Even the rigid Rules of Secrecy which prevailed at cabinet meetings, were made doubly strict in this case, and no intimation of the results reached by the court were known un- til 2 o’clock, when an Associated Press bulletin gave the information to the country, as well as the eagerly waiting officials throughout Washington. These results, briefly stated, are that the loss of the Maine was due to an explosion-from the outside, the court being unable to fix the responsibility for the explosion. The court does not express an opinion as to the character of the explosive, but the testimony goes to show that it was a powerful submarine mine, the exact character of which is not determine by the tes- timeny, though the belief was ex- pressed that it was a floating subma- rine mine. There were two explosions, the court finds; the first was from the outside, and that set off one of the smaller magazines. It was this result, expressed in detail and with the pre- cision of a court deeply conscious of its responsibility, together with the evidence on which it was based, that occupied the attention of the cabinet throughout its extended sessions. AIL other and lesser subjects gave way to this foremost question. There was no change in the plan of making the re- port public and transmitting it to congress early next week, accom- panied by an unprece- A Brief Message from the president. While » interest ras thus centered at the White Pouse the navy and war departments were hurrying forward their work of pre- parations. The advance of the Spanish torpedo flotilla continued to receive the closest attention of naval officials, and while, so far as could be ascer- tained, no definite line of action was determined upon, the need of inter- cepting this fleet was urged by the highest naval authorities. From the standpoint of the Spanish Jovernment this movement was not a menace, having been decided upon many weeks ago. On the contrary, the Spanish more direct hostile act against Spain than any movement of the flotilla. Instead of stopping the flotilla, the present attitude of Spain tends toward reinforcing it with other Spanish war vessels, not as a menace, but from what the Spanish government feels is a requirement called for by the exist- ing condition of affairs. Hardly less sugzestive than the approach of the torpedo flotilla was the information re- ceived by the highest military authori- ties that the Spanish government had Hurried to Completion extensive fortifications on the Island of Porto Rico, lying just off Cuba, and the only Spanish possession in this hemisphere other than Cuba. The ex- act character of these new defenses has been made known here, and they are being given weight with the mili- ~< at tary authorities as showing the dispo- sition of Spain. The orders issued by the navy de- partment during the day covered every branch of naval armament. The “flying squadron” was definitely estab- lished, with Commodore W. &. Schley in command. He will hoist his com- modore’s flag on the flagship Brook- lyn next Monday. The flying squadron is to he a small, compact fleet, of the best ships in the navy, for quick cer- vice at any point along the Atlantic. At the same time the North Atlantic station, under Capt. Sampson, is to be further augmented. The cruiser Cin- cinnati, which left Port Antonio three days ago under sealed orders, is to re- port at Key West and become a part of Capt. Sampson’s fleet. The gunboat Wilmington, also en route from Port Autonio, will likewise report to Capt. Sampson at Key West, as well as the gunboat Vi burg, now at Hampton Roads. Orders were issued to have all warships painted black, a color that is better adapted to hostilities because the vessels will not afford as good a target. eae Nes TAKES A FIRM AND. State of Affairs in Cuba Must Come te an End. Washington, March 24. — The cabi- net meeting lasted something over an hour and was devoted exclusively to the Spanish situation in general and to the forthcoming report of the Maine court of inquiry in particular. The tone of the discussion was very firm and determined that there must come an end to the present state of affairs in Cuba. Secretary Long authorized the statement that the understanding be- fore the cabinet was that the report would reach Washington on Thursday y or Friday; that it was very volumin- ous, and that the publication and transmission to congress would not occur until next Monday or Tuesday, as the president would require that much time to give the document the mature consideration that its moment- ous character required. Other cabinet officers stated that the general plan included the sending of a presidential message along with the report, stating that Spain had been called upon to make suitable re- sponse to the case prescribed by the court of inquiry. While the cabinet as- sociates of the president maintained their usual reserve as to the exact character of their deliberations, yet it was conceded that the discussion pro- ceeded on the theory that the coming report would show that the Maine ex- plosion was not the result of an acci- dent, but was due to An Exterrall Cause, There is no doubt that substantial unanimity exists on the part of the president and all his cabinet, both as to the Maine question and the general subject of Cuba. The possibility of a recourse to in- tervention in case Spain declined to make suitable response to the repre- sentations we will make regarding the siuation in Cuba has been fully dis- cussed. Necessarily the considera- tion of the Maine disaster has been abstract thus far, and no conclusion has been reached, nor is it possi- ble until the vital question as to the court’s findings is be- fore the president and the cabinet. At the same time there is a very evident intention to consider all eventualities, including the recourse to intervention, the recognition of independence and other methods which appear to suita- bly meet the requirements of such a condition. It is believed to be the intention of the president, however, to bring about a very material and satisfactory con- dition in Cuba by what shall seem to be the best and most practicable means of obtaining this. It is the hope of the administration that Spain herself will so far realize the situation as to see the necessity for Such Radical Action on her part with respect to Cuba as shall command the approbation of this country and thus at once put an end to all differences. Pending a decision on the government’s final poli¢y, no overtures or intimations have been conveyed to the Spanish government, and there is no official knowledge as to how Spain would regard a recogni- tion of Cuban independence or inter- vention. The Spanish minister has re- quested that a statement be made that reports attributing to him expressions on the subject of independence were unwarranted and untrue. Senor Polo says he has not discussed this or any other of the pending questions. = 9 CRISIS AT BAND. Definite Results Reguarding Cuban Affairs About Reaced. Washington, March 25.—The feeling was universal throughout official cir- cles that the culmination of the Span- ish crisis was near at hand. With the report of the Maine court of inquiry only a little while off, with the White House the center of long and earnest conferences between the president ana the party leaders of congress, and with exceptional activity towara emergency preparations in the war and navy departments, there was abundance of evidence that definite re- sults regarding the Maine disaster and the Cuban question in general were about to be reached. Among the pres- ident’s callers were Senators Cockrell, ‘Turpie and Foraker, Gen. Dan Sickles, former United States minister to Mad- rid, and Renresentative William Alden Smith of Michigan, who has recently returned from a trip to Cuba. The call ef Messrs. Cockrell and Turpie was regarded as particularly signiti- cant, as they are representative Dem- ocrats in the senate, and their visit followed ‘that of Senator Gorman yes- terday. It was generally understood that in the Present Emergency the president desires _ patriotic unity without reference to party. Secre- taries Long and Alger also cenferred with the president during the day. Secretary Long later said that the Maine report probably would reach Washington to-day. ‘Lhere has been no change in the plan of sending the report to congress early next week, probably Monday, accompanied by a message from the president. It is definitely settled, however, that the message and the papers accompany- ing it will relate exclusively to the Maine disaster. It will not take up the fearful condition of affairs in Cuba, as shown by the reports ot United States consuls, these being re- served for subsequent action and a later message to congress. Secretary Long has determined to order the double turreted monitors Puritan and Terror to Key West, where they will reinforce the squadron in these waters. In addition to its other preparations for possible trouble the navy department has taken steps toward ulilizing ten of the sea-going Revenve Cutters for Use along the coast. Capt. Shoemaker, chief of the revenue cutter, conferred with Assistant Secretary Roosevelt during the day on the plans for turn- ing over these cutters to the navy. They will be first sent to Norfolk, where additional guns will be mount- ed and then they will become a part of the squadron at Key West. Their main service, however, will be as naval pickets, a chain of these fleet cutters being maintained outside of the cruisers and battleships. The navy department has opened bids for extensive improvements at Dry Tortu- gas and Key West, a formal transfer having been effected at regards Tor- tugas, which passes from the treasury to the war department. These consist of two solid steel piers to be con- structed at Dry Tortugas, with two extensive coal sheds and an elaborate mechanical equipment for loading naval vessels with coal. At Key West the improvements consist of a steel pier and two coal sheds, with similar machinery for loading war- ships with coal. ‘The award will be made within the next day or two. nes a IT LOOKS WARLIKE. Unexampled Action in All Official Quarters, Washington, March 25. — The last day before the arrival of the report of the Maine court of inquiry was one of unexampled activity in all official quarters. Advices came early that the Spanish torpedo flotilla had sailed from the Canaries for Porto Rico and from this moment the most energetic warlike measures followed one an- other in constant succession. ‘The movement of this fieet has been watched with the keenest interest, as it was felt to involve serious possi, bilities which might compel the Unit- ed States government to protest against the movement as of a hostile character. Immediately on the re- ceipt of the official dispatch from one of our naval attaches abroad, briefly announcing the sailing of the fleet, the fact was made known to the president and an earnest conference was held between him and Secretary Long and Assistant Secretary Roosevelt. ‘The seriousness of the movement was ful- ly considered and the president was advised that naval strategists regard- ed it as essential that this torpedo fleet should not be allowed to reach Western waters. What, if any, con- clusion, was reached, is not known. Later in the day the Spanish minister called at the state department and spent some time with Judge Day. It was naturally inferred that the ap- proach of the Spanish flotilla was one of the subjects referred to. Whether, however, there was any svggestion against the move was not disclosed by either Judge Day or the Spanish min- ister, both of whom maintained the strictest reticence. An important move is the determination to create a goint commission from the war and ra departments so as to bring them into Harmonious Action ou all measures. Capt. Barker, the naval aide of Secretary Long, was designated to represent the navy de- partment in this common plan of ac- tioli. The representative of the wat department has. not yet been named. It will not be necessary for these two officers to leave Washington, as they can best arrange a joint plan of action in conference with the two depart- ments here. At the close of the day came an announcement that the navy department had succeeded in purchas- ing eight steam yachts and four steam tugs. The boats are about 400 tons each, and in an emergency would be suitable as torpedo boats. Throughout the day the White House presented an animated appearance, senators and representatives from both political parties calling to confer with the pres- ident. The president said to several of his visitors in discussing the situ- ation, that he would do everything consistent with the honor and dignity of the country to avert war, and he still believed war could be averted. He also said that he believed that the government of Spain was anxious for peace as we were, but at the same time he did not hesitate to admit the gravity of the situation. The presi- dent frankly admitted that he believed the report of the board of inquiry will find that the Maine was blown up from the outside. His programme las been definitely decided. It is his purpose to treat the blowing of the Maine . As an Incident. The report of the board will be sent to congress on Monday with a very brief message relating the events lead- ing up to that point and informing congress that the facts contained in the report have been cabled to Mad- rid to be laid before the Spanish gov- ernment by Minister Woodford. No demand will be made upon Spain, but the laying of the facts before the Spanish government will be equivalent to calling upon Spain for an explana- tion and such action as she may deem proper. It is the purpose of the house lead- ers to refer the report and message to the committee on foreign affairs with- out debate, and to this purpose it is be- lieved the Democrats of the house have acquiesced, reserving the right to demand action if a report from the committee is too long delayed. Much will then depend upon Spain’s re- sponse, but there are those close to the president who believe that from the time that the report is sent to congress it will drop out as a factor in the situation. The second part of the president’s programme reaches’ the main question and involves interven- tion on humanitarian grounds within a week or ten days after the report of the board goes to congress. It will be intervention to relieve the starvation in Cuba, and upon Spain’s acquies- cence in or objection to this act will depend peace or war. Such informa- tion as exists here leads those close to the president to believe that the Spanish government will go to any length it dares to preserve peace, MINNESOTA NEWS IS STILL IN JAIL. Mr. Southall’s Friends Fail to Put Up for Him, St. Paul, Special—United States District Attorney Stringer has gone to Washington, whither he has been called by order of Attorney General Griggs. The visit of the district at- torney to Washington at this time is fraught with extraordinary signifi- cance. It is understood to be in con- nection with the arrest of James H. Southall, formerly chief clerk in the engineer department at St. Paul, who is accused of having issued fraudulent government certificates of indebted- hess aggregating nearly $1,000,000. Mr. Southall is now in a position to find out who his real friends are. It was confidently expected by his at- torneys, Messrs. Nelson and Bramhall, that he would be able to furnish bonds yesterday, but the day passed and the night settled down drearily for Mr. Southall. Of all his many friends none had been found willing to fur- nish money for his bail bond. FRANKLYN W. LEE DEAD. The Poet-Editor Dies at His Home in Rush City. Rush City, Minn., Special Tele. — Franklyn W. Lee, publisher of the Rush City Post, died at his home in this city of pleurisy, complicated with an affection of the kidneys. —o— Franklyn W. Lee was one of the best known and brightest of the younger newspaper men in the North- west, and was rapidly winning a wide reputation as a poet, novelist and play- wright. Mr. Lee was a man of genial personality, a royal good fellow at all times, and his loss will be keenly felt by the newspaper men of the Twin Cities, all of whom counted him among their warmest friends. He leaves a wife and two children. WHALEBACKS. They will Re Useé as Transports, Not as Warships. Duluth, Minn., Special. — Captian Alex McDougall has returned from Washington and admits that there was some foundation to the report that the American Steel Barge company might dispose of some of the whalebacks to the government for use in the transpor- tation of coarse freights, such as coal, but not as warships. He says that while he was away the whaleback steamer City of Everett, which carried a cargo of corn to the famine sufferers in India, has been chartered for a year. Asked if chartered by the government, Capt. McDougall declined to make any statement. TAKEN BACK TO SCHOOL, Boy Who Had Escaped From a State Institution. Duluth, Minn. Special. — Agent Wiser, of the Minnesota training school at Red Wing, while here acci- dentally stumbled upon Mike Glockle, nineteen years old, who escaped three years ago from the school and has never since been located. He has traveled widely since then, but at this time was working at his father’s tin shop here. He objected strongly to going back, but the agent took him. The father says he will make a fight for the boy’s rele; Working the Farms. Winnebago, City, Minn., Special. — Many farmers have been seeding. Some are waiting as a result of their experiences four years ago, when the March-sowed wheat was frozen out by the severe cold wave which came later. The soil is in capital condition for working, and many feel that the mild winter will not be followed by any severe cold. If fair weather con- tinues nearly all the wheat in this vi- cinity will be in the ground by the last of next week. Hastings, Minn.—Every one is busy preparing for seeding in this vicinity, and at present considerable plowing and dragging is being done. Redwod Falls, Minn.—The work of seeding has commenced, and should the present weather continue the work will be general next Monday. The ground is in excellent condition for seeding, and about ten days will finish the work in Redwood county. Her Feet Awputated. Tracy Minn., Special. During a runaway Mrs. Carlos McNair, living south of town, jumped from the wag- on with her three-year-old child in her arms. The woman's ankles were broken. Dr. Workman of this city was summoned and found the ankles so badly crushed that relief was im- possible, and both feet had to be am- putated. The woman may not sur- Vive. Garvin Fire. Gavin, Minn., Special—A fire oc- curred at this place during the heavv wind of Tuesday, the general store of Miss Annie Shand and that of Mr. Slater being burned to the ground. Miss Shand’s loss is estimated at $4,- 000, with no insurance. Mr. Slater’s loss is about the same, partly coverea by insurance. Axsigped. Winnebago City, Minn., Special. — The Ward Mercantile company, who came here last November from Owa- tonna, Minn., and commenced _ busi- ness in the new opera house block here has made an assignment to the Pow- ers Dry Goods Company of St, Paul. Liabilities, $5,000; assets. $3,000. Cherce for a Dector, Cokato, Minn., Special.—The villagé of Cokato would be a good opening for a good Scandinavian doctor to locate. There is a large Scandinavian settle- ment all around, and thickly settled, and demands are made and efforts are being put forth to have a good doctor locate here. The town offers a good opening for the right man. First Mississippi Boat. Winena, Minn., Special.— Naviga- tion on the river opened yesterday when the Robert Harris, a passenger boat, made her first trip down the river to Fountain City. It is expected that other boats will be put on in a few days. Dies From a Kick, Appleton, Minn., Special Swen Peterson, a well known citizen, was kicked by a vicious horse, receiving in- juries from which he died in an hour. ‘A GIGANTIC SWINDLE. Dishonest Operations of a Govern-f Official. St. Paul, Spcial—The federal gov- ernment has taken steps to unearth: what it believes to be one of’ the most stupendous swindles ever perpetrated. As a result of the investigation James H. Southall of St. Paul, former chief clerk of the United States engineer” service, in charge of the work for the river and harbor department on the- upper Mississippi river, stands ac- cused of having issued fraudulent time checks, by means of. which capi- talists and business men in St. Paul and Mineapolis and a few banks in t ‘Twin Cities and throughout the sta have been swindled out of. over $500,- 000. The operations were not con- fined to this state alone, it is said, and it is understood that the alleged worthless paper has been negotiated in several Eastern cities, and that the grand total of the money inyolyed in ue transaction is more than $1,000,- 0. James H. Southall came to St: Paul in 1882 as private secretary to Col. Mackenzie, then chief engineer at St. 1, in charge of work on. the upper ippi. A part of Mr. Southall’s involved receiving from the fore- men of construction and repair work accounts of the time of men employed in the work. Owing to the fact that the money contained in the fund ap- propriated by congressional act, known as the river and harbor bill, is doled out by the government. authori- ties at certain stated times during the year, the department at Paul often found itself without funds from month to month as the salaries of the work- men became due. There are employed at all times, especially in the early spring on repairs and during the sum- mer on construction work, all the way from 100 to 500 men. These-workmen are not in a position to wait until money from the fund is received from Washington, and so, many years ago, the government officials established a credit system of paying the men from month to month. ‘They were given due bills on the government, known as time checks, which they could trade off at their grocery stores for the nec- essaries of life, or, as was the rule, sell. at a discount, to some one who could spare the money and afford to wait until the government sent the money from Washington with which to redeem the time checks. Shortly after entering upon his du- ties in St. Paul Mr. Southall began the business of negotiating these time checks, discounting them for all the way between 75 cents to 95 cents on: the dollar. He readily found bankers, business men and small capitalists willing to loan him money on them at a fair rate of interest. When money was received from the river and har- bor fund for the pay of the workmen these time checks were promptly re- deemed, and thus Mr. Southall kept his credit good. For nearly fifteen years the plan of negotiating the time checks was carried on in that manner, Aug. 1, 1897, Mr. Southall resigned his position. Now comes the peculiar feature of the transaction in the time checks, the one which the government is investi- gating and which gives premise of bringing to light the gigantic swin- dling operations charged. It is claimed that during 1896 and 1897, at least, and possibly extending back for a longer period of time, squrious time checks were issued and passed off on the unsuspecting dealers in checks as genuine. The purchasers of them were kept from becoming uneasy as the amount of checks on their hands began to grow much larger than usuab by the statement of Mr. Southall that the receipts from the river and harbor appropriation were much less last year and the first part of 1898 than formerly. When the receipts did come from Washington it is said he called on all the holders of time checks and redeemed a small portion of each loan in order to keep his credit good, and almost immediately thereafter, or as soon as possible without exciting sus- picion, unloaded on them large quan- tities of the checks. Mr. Southall has not yet been arrest- ed. He is now in St. Paul and will probably be taken into custody to-day. REPUBLICAN CLUBS. State League Holds Its Annual Con- vention in Minneapolis. Minneapolis, Special—The annual convention of the State League of Republican clubs was begun in this city yesterday. Aside from prelimi- nary organization but little was ac- complished, the work of the conven- tion being put over until to-day. There is a spirited contest on for the election or president, F. B. Wright and John F. or president, F. B. Wright and Dahl being the leading candidates. In the evening at Exposition hall a rous- ing meeting was held at which ad- dresses were delivered by Victor B. Dolliver, J. Adam Bede and M. J. Dowling. Indian Murderer Sentenced. Fergus Falls, Minn., Special—The spring term of the United States court cecnyened in this city with Judge John E. Carland on the bench. George Washington, an Indian charged with murdering a companion named Pack-oo, pleaded guilty to manslaugh- ter and was sentenced to imprison- ment for five years and to pay a fine of $100. Sever M. Hoff, ex-postmaster of St. Hilaire, charged with embez- zling postoffice funds, was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment and to pay a fine of $500. A number of In- dian liquor cases are to be tried to- morrow. Suicide at Dulath. Duluth, Minn., Special—Truman B. Welch, superintendent of the Du- luth Gas and Water company and the Commercial . Light and Power com- pany ,committed suicide by shooting himself through the head with a re- volver. é Canton Fire Mystery. Harmony, Minn., Special. — The true origin of the Canton blaze is still a mystery. It was openly stated be- fore the village election that the li- cense people would burn the town out if they failed to carry the point in question. ‘There was no _ possible chance for spontaneous combustion nor lamp explosion where fire nor Jamp had been burning for twenty- four hours. So certain is the council that it is a case of arson that a night watchman has been secured. * \ pees | ; —_— | ; ‘ | (